Hockey Luminary Rahim Khan: A Source of Pride from Swat, Igniting Generations in the Field

Hockey Luminary Rahim Khan: A Source of Pride from Swat, Igniting Generations in the Field

By Musarrat Ullah Jan

Rahim Khan, the illustrious hockey luminary hailing from Swat, has engraved an indelible mark on the realm of hockey. His remarkable contributions have etched his name into the annals of the sport, not only for his personal achievements but also for the enduring impact he has had on future generations.

Rahim Khan is a former Olympian and the innovator behind the reverse flick. He stands as a hockey legend, having been a member of the Pakistan field hockey team that clinched the Men’s World Cup hockey tournament in 1994. With 126 international matches under his belt, he scored 25 international goals, most of which were achieved through his invented reverse flick. His position on the field was right-in.

Rahim Khan’s journey began on April 20, 1971, in Mingora city of Swat District. His hockey journey commenced at the school level. Initially, he played for the local club Eleven Star in Saidu Sharif for several years. He gained his first national level selection through the Pakistan WAPDA hockey team, later joining the Pakistan International Airlines (P.I.A) hockey club.
A legacy of hockey excellence thrives within his family, as his brother Imran Khan has also emerged as a distinguished hockey player, currently sharing his expertise with young aspirants in the UK.
Commencing his journey with the Pride of Performance award bestowed upon him by the Government of Pakistan in 1995, Rahim Khan’s international hockey career began in Swat. He shone as a star in the field from 1990 until 2004.
The year 1992 witnessed the Junior Championship held in Lahore, featuring hockey powerhouses like Holland, England, Germany, and Pakistan. Rahim Khan seized the gold medal in this fierce competition. A similar triumph followed in the qualifying round of the Junior World Cup hosted in Malaysia.

Prowess and determination led Rahim Khan to secure gold medals for Pakistan in various global tournaments. Victories in Germany, Holland, and England were attained in 1991. Subsequently, he secured a silver medal in the four-nation hockey tournament held in Germany in 1993.

The 4th Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in Hiroshima, Japan, saw Rahim Khan’s brilliance once again as he earned a medal for his country. At the 16th Champions Trophy in 1994 held in Lahore, he proudly secured the Gold medal. The NCM Hockey Tournament in 1994 in Holland added another Bronze Medal to his collection.
A noteworthy highlight came with his participation in the twelfth Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan, where he contributed to Pakistan’s victory, winning yet another Bronze Medal. The pinnacle of his achievements was triumphing with a gold medal in the 8th World Cup held in Sydney.
Rahim Khan’s journey continued in 1995, as he showcased his skills in the Belgium hockey tournament featuring four participating nations. That same year, he clinched a silver medal at the SAIF Games. The legacy of success persisted as he earned the Bronze Medal at the 1996 Four Nations Games in Holland and participated in the Atlanta Olympics.

Even beyond his prime, Rahim Khan’s dedication remained unwavering. In 2004, he secured a gold medal in the Veteran World Cup in New Zealand, accompanied by his 18th Champions Trophy triumph.

In an insightful interview, Rahim Khan reminisced about his mischievous childhood, a trait that seems to persist to this day. He expressed concern over the impact of modern devices on the youth and lamented the neglect from both the government and players, which has hindered the growth of Pakistan’s national game.

Addressing the challenges of promoting hockey, he highlighted its high costs and the difficulties players face in acquiring equipment. Rahim Khan’s journey unfolded across various teams, starting with WAPDA and later associating with PIA, a bond that endures to this day.

Rahim Khan’s story embodies resilience, dedication, and an unwavering passion for hockey. As his legacy lives on, he stands as a testament to the heights one can achieve through unwavering commitment to a sport they hold dear. Rahim Khan currently member selection committee of Pakistan hockey federation.