LAHORE: Former Pakistan hockey Olympian and renowned player Khawaja Zakauddin has passed away in Lahore at the age of 89.
Born on October 27, 1936, in Jalandhar, Khawaja Zakauddin represented Pakistan from 1958 to 1966, playing 56 international matches and scoring 26 goals.
He was part of the Pakistan hockey team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and also represented the country at the 1958, 1962 and 1966 Asian Games. Pakistan won gold medals in 1958 and 1962, while the national team secured a silver medal in 1966.
In recognition of his services to hockey, Khawaja Zakauddin was awarded the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan. After retiring as a player, he also served the national hockey team in various capacities, including coach, chief selector and manager.
Former Pakistan hockey players and Olympians expressed deep sorrow over his death and paid tribute to his valuable contributions to the national sport.
