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Great Nur Khan Country’s best sports administrator passed away
December 23, 2011
Air Marshal (R) Nur Khan was a legendary figure known for his courage in the face of extreme challenge, honesty, integrity, and exceptional competence. He was an able baton carrier for Air Marshal Asghar Khan in the making of Pakistan Air Force and then Pakistan International Airlines become a legend though their positive thinking and contributions fuelled the country's success as well in field of cricket, hockey and squash.
An impeccable administrator, he commanded respect from his subordinates and peers alike for his sterling qualities of head and heart. In his passing away Pakistan has lost a great son who had spent his professional life in the building of this country.
Nur Khan, who passed away last week, was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital on December 12 and was suffering from chest infection.He was 88, born on February 22, 1923, was the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force from 1965 to 1969. He was commissioned in the British Indian Air Force on January 6, 1941. Before that, he had attended the Royal Indian Military College at Dehra Dun after completing his education. He later served as the governor of West Pakistan and president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation and Pakistan Cricket Board.
Late Air Marshal M. Nur Khan made very valuable and tremendous contributions in Hockey in Pakistan. During his first tenure (1967-1969) that Pakistan hockey team won the Mexico Olympics and in second tenure (1976-1986) Pakistani team won Los Angeles Olympics.
During his tenure Pakistan hockey team performed a grand-slam. The World Cup and Champions Trophy are the toughest events in hockey, and are brain child of Late Air Marshal M. Nur Khan, which will keep him alive in hockey as long as these two competitions are on the calendar.
Being President Pakistan Hockey Federation, he donated World Cup Trophy and Champions Trophy to the International Hockey Federation. His contribution and dedicated efforts will go down in the annals of sports history of Pakistan.
Air Marshal (R) Noor Khan remained Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (formerly BCCP) from 1980 to 1984. He was an excellent cricket administrator and with his tireless efforts and undaunted dedication he distinguished himself as a role model for everyone who is associated with the game of cricket. The idea of getting the Asian counties to contest an Asia Cup, floated by another former PCB Chairman Abdul Hafeez Kardar, was shelved due to political tensions with India. But Khan was instrumental in making the tournament a reality in mid '80s. He was also part of the organizing committee of the 1987 World Cup and was credited with bringing some of the World Cup matches to Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Khan. In his message, Gilani prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. The prime minister lauded his services for the country and nation
President PHF Qasim Zia, Secretary Asif Bajwa have offered heart-felt condolences on behalf of the PHF.
Chairman PCB Ch. Zaka Ashraf, Chairperson PCB Women Wing Mrs. Bushra Aitzaz, and PCB COO Mr. Subhan Ahmed have extended their deepest condolences to the family of Air Marshal (R) Muhammad Nur Khan on his demise.
Great Nur Khan contributions in bringing the cricket world cup to India and Pakistan was one of his minor contributions," said Arif Abbasi, former chief executive of Pakistan Cricket Board.
"His real contributions were in squash and field hockey where he not only built the infrastructure, produced players but introduced main events."
Khan also backed a young Jahangir Khan, a world record holder of 10 British open titles who also won six world open titles in squash.
"Under him we had a golden period in cricket, squash and hockey and from Imran Khan to Zaheer Abbas and from me to Jansher Khan he helped develop a lot of players," Jahangir said.
"He was the right man between the players and the administration and that's why we achieved a lot of success in sports," he added.
Legendary paceman Wasim Akram described Khan as a legend off the field.
"We can't find an administrator like him now," said Wasim. "What he did for sports in Pakistan will always be remembered."
"Field hockey is what it is because of him... and because of his contribution Pakistan held Olympic, World and Champions Trophy titles simultaneously," said former 1984 Olympian Hanif Khan.
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