Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 13, 2023: The Asian Hockey Federation has paid tribute to legendary Pakistani Olympian Lala Fazal-ur-Rehman, who passed away March 9. He was 81.
The world-renowned left half was born on March 15, 1941 at Abbottabad and earned his first international call-up in 1965 for Pakistan’s tour of Indonesia. He also played in the Asian Games in 1966 in Bangkok.
Two years later, he was a member of Pakistan’s gold medal-winning squad at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico as they beat Australia in the final.
Asian Games gold at Bangkok 1970 followed, with a 1-0 win over India in the final, and then came World Cup gold in 1971 in Barcelona.
Fazal-ur-Rehman, popularly known as Billa Lala, appeared in his second Olympic Games at Munich in 1972 and earned a silver medal.
Overall, he won four gold and three silver medals in his international hockey career which spanned from 1965 until 1972, according to Asia Hockey.
In 1971, he was also awarded Pride of Performance, the highest civil award by the Government of Pakistan, in recognition of his contributions towards Pakistan hockey.
Offering words of condolence for the bereaved family, President AHF Fumio Ogura said: “It is very saddening to learn of this loss. I will pray for the departed and also that his family find solace in this tough time.”