KARACHI: Former international athlete Syed Abid Hussain, who breathed his last on Tuesday, was a towering figure in sports circle and admired by all and sundry for his contribution.

Born in Lucknow in 1942, he migrated to Pakistan with his parents soon after independence at a tender age and went on to complete his education by securing master’s degree in economics from the University of Karachi.

Abid was an active sportsman during his hey days and actively participated in college and university activities. The veteran athlete came into prominence when he represented the country at the 1974 Tehran Asian Games his events being 400 and 800 metres.

Before joining Police in 1962, he served Railways for some eight years and apart from athletics, he was part of football teams of the two departments.

During his 39-years association with the Police, Abid played a significant role in enhancing the positive image of the department, both on and off the field. Abid together with the then SP Headquarters, Siraj­uddin, opened a new leaf in the history of the department.

After coming at the helm of Police sports, Abid, who retired as DSP in 2001, helped raise a number of teams and Police ground on Garden Road used to throng by a large number of sportsmen every evening.

Abid was also a brave officer and survived in a historic shootout with dacoits during an operation in North Nazimabad on Nov 12, 1985. The incident left four dacoits and a policeman dead. Abid was hit by a bullet in the neck. The story was front page lead of Dawn in its Nov 13 issue.

The retired DSP was awarded President Police Medal (PPM) for his bravery in 1992.

As a sports organiser, Abid repaid the debt and remained integral part of the team that organised second and third Champions Trophy hockey tournaments, Asia Cup and other international sporting events in the city.

Abid was synonymous with the Karachi YMCA which awarded him the institution colour and Pride of Performance for rendering meritorious services.

He also served as a secretary of Karachi Amateur Athletics Association (KAAA) and vice-president of the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA). The track and field activities were at the peak and used to witness fierce competitions even at the Inter-school meets.

Another aspect of his illustrious life was helping the poor and needy people on a regular basis.

He had an attack of paralyses some three years back that made his both hands non-functional.

Abid’s services to the cause of sports and athletics will be remembered for a long time to come, his contemporary and also veteran international athlete Mohammad Talib told Dawn on Wednesday.

Abid was a role model for the youth and a person of his stature needed to be acknowledged by the government with at least Pride of Performance during his lifetime. May Allah bless his soul in peace, Ameen.

Published in Dawn, September 25th , 2014