Munawwaruz Zaman (2 April 1951 – 28 July 1994) was a distinguished player of the Pakistan national field hockey team, who had an illustrious career from 1971 until his retirement in 1980. He was also a high-ranking bank officer. Munawwar passed away in 1994 due to cardiac arrest while practicing with the Pakistan hockey team for the Veterans Hockey World Cup.

Born: 2 July 1951
Died: 28 July 1994 (aged 43), Karachi, Pakistan
Nationality: Pakistani
Occupation: Field hockey player
Awards: Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 1997

Medal Record
Men’s Field Hockey Representing Pakistan:

Olympic Games

– Silver medal – 1972 Munich
– Bronze medal – 1976 Montreal

World Cup

– Gold medal – 1971 Barcelona
– Silver medal – 1975 Kuala Lumpur
– Gold medal – 1978 Buenos Aires

Asian Games

– Gold medal – 1974 Tehran
– Gold medal – 1978 Bangkok

Playing Career

Munawwar began his career in 1971 at the age of 19. His career took off when he scored the match-winning goal against India in the semifinals, making him an instant hero in Pakistan. Throughout his career, he played 119 matches and scored 44 goals.

Munawwar was part of the Pakistan team that won the Olympic silver medal in 1972 and the bronze medal in 1976. He also led Pakistan to victory in the 2nd Champions Trophy in 1980 at Karachi and the Kuala Lumpur Quadrangular Gold.

He played for Pakistan and Habib Bank Limited, participating in 111 international matches, including:

– Olympics: 1972, 1976
– World Cups: 1971, 1975, 1978
– Asian Games: 1974, 1978
– Champion Trophies: 1978, 1980

In the 1970s, Munawwar, alongside Manzoor ul Hasan, was considered one of the greatest pairs of fullbacks in field hockey. In the early 1990s, he started working with the Pakistan team as a coach.

In recognition of his services to the country, the Pakistan government awarded Munawwar uz Zaman a posthumous Pride of Performance award in 1997.

This year marks the 30th death anniversary of Munawwar uz Zaman, a legendary figure in Pakistan’s field hockey history.