World of hockey has lost a stalwart. Olympian and Pakistan hockey legend Manzoor Hussain is no more, Also known as Manzoor Junior, he died of a heart attack in Lahore on Monday, August 29.e was 65. Manzoor Jr, who remained associated with Pakistan Hockey Federation in different capacities, suffered a heart attack before he was taken to a hospital. All efforts of the doctors to revive him were unsuccessful. They even put three stents in but it was little too late. Manzoor Jr is survived by his widow, three sons and a daughter.

Manzoor Hussain led Pakistan in its triumph in  the Junior World Cup  in 1979. That was the only time Pakistan won the Junior World Cup. Manzoor Hussain was an outstanding forward and a lethal striker. He dominated the world hockey scene between  1975 and 1984 and was capped 175 times with 86 goals to his credit. He was part of the Pakistan team that won the Bronze Medal in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

Eight years later, he was the captain of the Pakistan team that won the Gold Medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Manzoor Hussain was also a member of the Pakistan team that won  World Cups in 1978 and 1982. He was known for his exceptional stick work, and one of its remarkable displays was in the 1982 World Cup final where he scored the crucial match deciding goal by dodging six German defenders.

His recognition as the hero of the 1982 World Cup final would never be forgotten. In Pakistan he was honoured with the Presidential Medal.

Interestingly, Manzoor Hussain and his two brothers, Maqsood Hussain and Mahmood Hussain, represented Pakistan in the 1984 men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Karachi in a match.

Manzoor Jr  was  also popular as  a down to earth, humble and soft spoken, player with superb stick work. He was a perfectionist master of the game. He was passionate about the sport and served it in various capacities after retiring from competitive sports.

When the end came,  he was  still the Chairman of the national selection committee.

His death has been consoled by Hockey Olympians, officials and others.

Source: Canadianparvasi.com