The British sporting community is mourning the loss of Imran Sherwani, the hockey legend who famously scored twice in Great Britain's 1988 Olympic gold medal victory, who has died at the age of 63.
A Seoul Triumph for the Ages
Sherwani's family confirmed his passing, bringing back memories of his iconic performance at the Seoul Olympics. Representing Great Britain and England 94 times throughout his international career, his crowning achievement came in the final against West Germany where his two goals secured a 3-1 victory and Olympic glory.
His second goal in that historic match prompted one of British broadcasting's most memorable moments, when BBC commentator Barry Davies exclaimed: "Where were the Germans? But frankly, who cares!" The victory became a dawn-time spectacle for thousands of hockey fans watching back in the UK.
Legacy Beyond the Olympic Podium
In 2021, Sherwani revealed he had been diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's disease two years earlier in 2019. His family has since been actively raising awareness about the condition.
The athlete came from a distinguished sporting lineage. His father played hockey for Pakistan, while his great uncles were professional footballers for Stoke City and Port Vale. Sherwani made history as the third Asian player to represent Great Britain, following Sutinder Kehar and joining his 1988 teammate Kulbir Bhaura.
Remembering a Modest Champion
Rich Beer, chief operating officer of Great Britain Hockey, paid tribute saying: "Imran Sherwani will forever be remembered as one of the true icons of England and Great Britain Hockey. His talent, leadership and humility inspired generations of players and fans alike."
Despite his Olympic heroics, Sherwani often expressed that his proudest moment came later with Leek Hockey Club. The club stated: "Whilst it would seem inconceivable to many that his greatest achievement wasn't the two goals scored to win gold for Great Britain in the 1988 Olympic final, Imran often insisted the 6-2 win against Old Georgians securing Leek promotion to the National League at Belle Vue in 2003 was his proudest moment."
Reflecting on his Olympic winning goal, Sherwani once recalled: "Batch [Steve Batchelor] did the German and I just carried on for his pass and met it as it came across and slotted home. It was just incredible and I think we knew then. It felt like that was it. I still get emotional about it."
Leek Hockey Club remembered him not only as "one of Leek HC's greatest players" but also as "a great person" who would be sadly missed by everyone involved with the club.
