Abdul Hamid Hamidi, born on 7 January 1927 in Ghoriwala, Bannu, British India, was a prominent figure in the history of Pakistani field hockey. His remarkable skills and leadership left an indelible mark on the sport, both as a player and as an administrator.

Hamidi’s career was marked by extraordinary achievements on the field. Between 1948 and 1962, he made 55 international appearances for Pakistan, scoring an impressive 48 goals. His prowess was evident when he helped Pakistan secure a silver medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. However, his crowning achievement came in 1960, when he captained the team to a historic gold medal victory at the Rome Olympics, ending India’s dominance in the sport. This victory was a pivotal moment for Pakistan, firmly establishing its place in the global field hockey arena.

Beyond his playing days, Hamidi continued to contribute to the sport he loved. He managed the national team during the 1966 and 1970 Asian Games, bringing his experience and strategic insight to the next generation of players. Additionally, he served as the secretary general of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, where he worked tirelessly to promote and develop field hockey in the country.

Hamidi’s contributions to the sport did not go unrecognized. In 1960, he was honored with the Pride of Performance Award for Sports by the President of Pakistan, a testament to his exceptional contributions and dedication.