Legendary hockey commentator, journalist S. M. Naqi passes away

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 27 April 2014

S. M. Naqi, known for his contributions to hockey commentary and journalism, has passed away at the age of 80. His legacy includes valuable contributions to the sport and recognition from the President's Award for Pride of Performance.

Summary

KARACHI: Pakistan's legendary hockey commentator and sports journalist S. M. Naqi died here Saturday night after a protracted illness. He was 80.

Naqi was awarded the President's Award for Pride of Performance in 2004 for his meritorious contribution for the game as a radio and television commentator.

He also served as the Secretary General of Pakistan Sports Writers Federation, and covered nine Olympiads including the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Naqi was also a hockey player and an international umpire. "S M Naqi was an iconic figure and contributed greatly as a hockey commentator and sports journalist," said Azeem Sarwar, a broadcaster and presenter at Radio Pakistan.

With his death a golden chapter in Pakistan's hockey commentary has indeed come to an end. Several of Naqi's colleagues of that golden era - Muzhair Bari, Farooq Mazhar, Commander Iqbal Hashmi and Zakir Hussain Syed - have all passed away. - APP

KEY POINTS:

• Naqi passed away after a long illness in Karachi.
• He was awarded the President's Award for Pride of Performance in 2004.
• Naqi covered nine Olympiads, including the 1972 Munich Olympics.
• He was also a hockey player and international umpire.
• His death signifies the loss of a prominent figure in Pakistan's sports commentary.