ANOTHER sporting stalwart of Pakistan KM Aslam, has passed away in Lahore. After the recent death of Brig Hamidi, a rare veteran of having appeared in four Olympics along with Brig Atif (who passed away much earlier) the departure of KM Aslam aged 97, is another loss of a rare and remarkable sporting stalwart of Pakistan.
I have personally known KM Aslam for well over 70 years, since my own Student cum sporting career. He has been unwell for quite some time and thus not visible which was unusual for him. Let me recount the most widespread and illustrated career of KM Aslam. He had been a product of NWR, the past name of Pakistan Railways, which was one of the pioneer organizations to employ and provide careers to sportsmen in good old days. PIA, WAPDA, Banks and others came into the ranking much later.
Look at his versatility as he made his mark in hockey, athletics, football, and cricket to reach the highest level in all .He also represented Pakistan in 1952 Helsinki Games, Asian Games British Empire Games, and played first class cricket, football and even won medals in athletics. (Sprint, Relay Race) and was instrumental in coaching many youngsters including his own sons, Owais, Junaid and Bilal to reach the national /international level).
Subsequently, he became an important figure both in NWR, and later in the National Athletics Federation. For many years, he was also a notable referee /Umpire of the Punjab University and a versatile writer of many books on sports. I am surprised that many sporting officials and national organizations have duly recalled and acknowledged his great services achievements, but Pakistan Railways where he spent the best part of his career have remained silent to remember and recall the worthy services of Khawaja Aslam. Here is wishing my deep condolence to Junaid, Owais and Bilal and other members of family on the loss of a great and worthy KM Aslam.
