One of the finest forwards in field hockey, popularly known as Maradona of Hockey, Shahbaz Ahmed was born on September 1, 1968 in Faisalabad. He was termed “The man with the electric heels” because of his trademark Crossfield unstoppable runs. His dribbling skills and control on the stick were unmatched in his era. He was selected team Pakistan in 1986 and soon became the key and match winning forward. Besides Pakistan, he also played for German club Harvestehuder and Dutch club OranjeZwart after the Atlanta Games in 1996.
Pakistan won world cup title in 1994 under Shahbaz Ahmed’s captaincy in 1994. He won two consecutive ‘Player of the Tournament’ in 1990 and 1994 world cups. He still the only player who won two consecutive “player of the tournament” awards. His classic performance in 1994 world cup final against Netherland is still fresh in the memories of hockey lovers. Display of his dodges, dribbling, stick work and ball control still enthrall the hockey enthusiasts. His stamina and holding the ball the under the stick was worldwide recognized. His reverse back swing hit and flipping the ball off the ground or even on opponent’s stick and creating an unexpected goal opportunity were the hallmark of his playing abilities.
Shahbaz Ahmed Senior represented Pakistan in the Champions Trophy tournaments held in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989; 3rd Asia Cup, New Delhi 1989; 7th Hockey World Cup, 1990 in Lahore, BMW Trophy Amsterdam, 1990, 11th Asian Games Beijing, 1990, 12th Champions Trophy, Melbourne and Hockey World Cup, Sydney, 1994.
In recognition of his contribution in the hockey he was decorated with Hilal-i-Pakistan by the President of Pakistan. He was also awarded the President’s Pride of Performance Award in 1992 by the Government of Pakistan. Shahbaz Senior also served as the Secretary General of Pakistan Hockey Federation from 2015 to 2019. Shahbaz Senior received Order of Merit during the 48th Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2022.
Source: https://www.topendsports.com/athletes/field-hockey/ahmed-shahbaz.htm
