The Government College University Lahore (GCU) has invited Old Ravians to compile its glorious 146-year sports history.
The decision to record the services of GCU sports legends was taken at a meeting of GCU officials that included former Olympians and gold medallists, Munir Dar, Javed Zaman Khan, Imtiaz Ahmed and Naqi Mohsin. GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Aftab chaired the meeting. At the meeting it was decided that the Indian Old Ravians, who participated in the subcontinent games before 1947, will also be taken on board for the important task. Professor Khalid said GCU had encouraged sports, "right from the beginning".
History: "Our sports history can be traced from the 1931-32 session when GC became the overall champion and won the general trophy of the Punjab University for the first time," he said.
Professor Khalid said GC won the general trophy 12 times and secured the runner-up position four times from 1931 to 1947.
During that period, GC produced a number of outstanding sportsmen who not only brought honour to their alma mater, but also had the distinction of representing India in Olympics and various other international sports events, he said. "After Independence, GC kept up its outstanding traditions in the field of sports and maintained excellence and edge over its rival institutions, winning the general all-round trophy 20 times and remaining the runner-ups 22 times from 1947-48 till 1988-89 in national games," he added.
He said GCU still has a leading position in sports, adding that Ravians have won the inter-universities hockey and bodybuilding championships this year, besides securing positions in other sports. The vice chancellor said GCU also awards special scholarships to sportsmen in order to encourage them.
Olympian: Addressing the meeting, former Olympian Munir Dar appreciated the efforts of the GCU Sports Board and took full responsibility of compiling the records of Old Ravian hockey players who represented India and later Pakistan, starting from the 1928 Olympics to date. Dar gave the example of Jafar Shah who received the Gold Medal in Hockey in 1932 and 1936. Former Pakistan Cricket Team Captain Imtiaz Ahmed said a list of GCU Rolls of Honour in Sports awardees has already been complied, and it would be extremely helpful to gather the required information.
Coaches' roles: Chief Minister Task Force for Sports Chairman Chaudary Muhammad Yaqoob suggested that the role of coaches and team managers should also be highlighted.
Later, the vice chancellor announced forming the committees and sub-committees of various games for compiling the required data. Ijaz Ahmed, Najum Latif, Col (r) Saeed Ahmed Khan and Professor Ahmed Hussain also attended the meeting. Daily times
