Rome’s Triumph – The War Pakistan Won on the Hockey Field Vs India

Rome’s Triumph – The War Pakistan Won on the Hockey Field Vs India

By: Sports Friend, Shahid Ulhaq

September holds a unique place in Pakistan’s history. It is the month when we commemorate the 6th, 7th, and 8th of September 1965, the days of war. Thousands of lives were lost, countless were injured, and both nations endured fear and uncertainty. Each country claims victory in that war, but its scars still remain in the form of hatred and distance.

In contrast, on 9th September 1960, at the Rome Olympics, Pakistan defeated India in a different kind of “war” — one without bullets, without blood, without casualties. It was a victory won through the spirit of sports, discipline, and unity. Pakistan broke India’s six-time unbeaten Olympic record and, for the first time, won an Olympic Gold Medal. It was proof that nations can win respect and glory not just on battlefields but also in sports arenas.
Had the government declared 9th September a national day of remembrance along with the three war days, and included it in our curriculum, it would have been an everlasting source of pride and inspiration for future generations.

Rome Olympics 1960 – The Defining Moment

India had dominated world hockey, winning six consecutive Olympic Golds from 1928 to 1956. Until 1947, those victories were also shared by the people of the subcontinent. The world considered India the only hockey powerhouse. But in Rome, Pakistan’s determination, strategy, and unmatched performance changed history.

The defining moment came when Naseer Bunda scored the historic goal that crushed India’s arrogance. That single goal became the golden key to Pakistan’s triumph.

Abdul Hameed Hamidi – The Captain and Goal Scoring Hero

Throughout the tournament, Pakistan’s captain Abdul Hameed Hamidi led from the front, scoring the highest number of goals and inspiring his teammates. His leadership and performance were pivotal in bringing Pakistan its first Olympic Gold.

The Golden Team of 1960 – Pakistan’s Heroes

These were the men who carved history in Rome:

Abdul Hameed Hamidi (Captain, Forward Right in)
Manzoor Hussain Atif (Defender Left Fullback)

Noor Alam (Forward Right Out)

Anwar Ahmed Khan ( Defender Center Half, Voice Captain)

Abdul Rasheed (Goalkeeper)

Bashir Ahmed (Defender Rightful Back)

Chaudhry Ghulam Rasool (Midfielder Rightful Back)

Matiullah (Forward Left out)

Naseer Bunda (Forward Left in – Hero of the Final)

Habib Ali Kidi (Midfielder Left Half)

Abdul Waheed Khan (Forward Center)

Reserve
A R Gardener
Khwaja Zakaud Deen
Muneer Dar
Khursheed Aslam
Zafar Hayat
Zafer Ali Zafree
Mushtaq Ahmed

Mushtaq Ahmed (Forward Reserve)

Officials
Manager Ali Iqtadar Shah Dara
Coach Niaz khan

War and Sports – The Difference

The war of September 1965 gave us sacrifices and scars, while the victory of 9th September 1960 gave us honor, dignity, and a new global identity. This is the true power of sports — they replace hatred with friendship, war with peace, and sorrow with joy.

That is why we must celebrate sports victories like national days, to teach the younger generation that the greatest victories are those that unite humanity instead of dividing it.

The Need for Government-Level Recognition

To preserve this legacy, the government must officially recognize such sporting triumphs. Steps should include:

Organizing seminars and events in schools and colleges.

Honoring the heroes of our national teams.

Launching nationwide programs to promote the value of sports.

Such initiatives will not only keep history alive but also spread peace, harmony, and national unity through sports.

Major Muhammad Amin Nasir and Professor Rao Javed Iqbal – A Beacon of Light

When repeated appeals by both the pioneers failed to draw government attention, Major Muhammad Amin Nasir and Professor Rao Javed Iqbal, Co-founders of the Pakistan Institute of Hockey, joined hands and took this mission to initiate upon idea the brain child of professor Rao ” 9th September National Day of Hockey”. For years, they have organized hockey events across cities, towns, and villages of Pakistan on 9th September, highlighting the importance of this day. His dedication stands as a milestone in connecting the new generation with this glorious victory and reviving passion for hockey.

Recognizing the Power of Sports

Pakistan has earned glory in hockey by winning three Olympic Golds, four World Cups, eight Asian Games, three Asia Cups, and three Champions Trophies. These are not just numbers in a record book but guiding stars for generations to come.

Now is the time to understand the true power of sports — not as a substitute for war, but as a source of peace, unity, and pride. We must make these victories a permanent part of our national heritage.

By: Sports Friend, Shahid Ulhaq
(Sports Philanthropist, Former National Basketball Player, Fitness Coach, Sports Journalist, Writer & Vlogger)