Zafar Iqbal (field hockey)
Quick Facts
Biography
Zafar Iqbal (born 20 June 1956) is a former Indian field hockey player and captained the national team.
Professional career
Iqbal was a member of the 1980 Summer Olympics field hockey team that won the last Olympic Gold Medal for India. He has captained Indian squad in various international events, among them being Asian Games, in 1982 and 1983 Champions Trophy, and the 1984 Summer Olympics. Iqbal is remembered for a strong attack as well as for missing a goal, in front of an open goal against West Germany, that would have placed India a semifinal spot in the 1984 Olympics.
Iqbal was awarded the Arjuna Award, the highest award given in sports by India. He has served as Chief National Coach for Indian hockey from early 1993 to October 1994. Iqbal currently works as manager for Indian Airlines and is a National selector for Indian hockey team. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2012.