Ustad Aslam Rodda:- A Legendary Hockey Coach and Master Builder of
Champions
Ustad Aslam Roda left an
indelible mark on Pakistani hockey, etching his name in the annals of the
sport's history. His remarkable journey, dedicated to hockey from his youth
until his last breath, transformed the lives of countless individuals and elevated
Gojra to unprecedented heights.
In the history of sports, no
other small town has produced as many players as Gojra, a testament to Roda's
tireless efforts and dedication. Born on October 1, 1945, in Amritsar, Roda's
family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Gojra.
Roda was himself a Pakistani
international hockey player before becoming a renowned coach who brought about
transformative change. His playing experience and expertise laid the foundation
for his future success as a coach.
Roda's coaching legacy began with
a passion to give back to his community. His contributions to hockey are
unparalleled, producing over 100 international and national players.
Notable players include Tahir
Zaman, Shahbaz Ahmed Jr., and Irfan Mehmood, all Pride of Performance Award
winners, 1994 World Cup winners, and Olympic medalists.
Through hockey Roda transformed
the lives of over 350 families living below the poverty line and empowering
them to achieve economic stability and prosperity. Through his coaching, he
provided opportunities for young players to secure scholarships, jobs, and
international recognition.
A pioneer for women's hockey,
Roda established and trained Gojra's first women's hockey team. It is still
another example of his paving the way for female athletes in the region and
producing several international players. This groundbreaking initiative not
only promoted gender equality but also challenged societal norms.
Under his guidance, Gojra earned
the prestigious title of "Olympic Hockey Village," recognizing its
impressive hockey record, as noted by the BBC. This distinction not only
honored Roda's achievements but also put Gojra on the global sports map.
Roda's coaching philosophy
emphasized discipline, hard work, and teamwork. He instilled in his players a
strong sense of national pride, responsibility, and sportsmanship. His training
methods, though unconventional, yielded remarkable results, earning him respect
and admiration from peers and players alike. Roda's legacy extends beyond his
coaching accomplishments. He played a crucial role in promoting hockey
infrastructure development in Gojra, advocating for better facilities and
resources for young players.
Ustad Aslam Roda passed away on
January 21, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service. His demise was
mourned by the entire nation, with tributes pouring in from the hockey
community and beyond.
Today, Roda's legacy lives on
through the countless lives he touched and the hockey academy he founded. His
story serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that dedication, passion,
and selflessness can transform communities and shape the future of sports.
The town of Gojra remains
eternally grateful to Ustad Aslam Roda, who transformed its sports landscape
and put Pakistan on the global hockey map. His legacy serves as a testament to
the power of sports to unite, inspire, and uplift communities. He was a legend.
In recognition of the out standing contributions of Ustad Aslam Roda to the development of hockey in Pakistan, both as a distinguished player and a dedicated coach, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 50/- denomination on 16th May 2025. His efforts in nurturing talent and promoting the national sport have left a lasting legacy in the history of Pakistani hockey.
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