Hockey legend Ashok Kumar Dhyanchand honoured by King of Pahang in Kuala Lumpur

Ashok Kumar Dhyanchand was invited by His Royal Highness, the King of Pahang, for a special and select get together in Kuala Lumpur.

HYDERABAD: For Ashok Kumar Dhyanchand, son of the hockey legend and scorer of match-winner in the 1975 World Cup hockey final in Malaysia, it was an evening to remember when he was invited by His Royal Highness, the King of Pahang, for a special and select get together in Kuala Lumpur.

The function was essentially put up commemorating the Malaysian team reaching the semifinals of the 1975 World Cup.

“What an incredible honour to be invited as a special guest for the ceremony,” Ashok Kumar said.

“We, Team India, won that World Cup—the only time we ever did. I had the privilege of scoring the winning goal against Pakistan in the semi-final that took us to glory. And yet, in India, Hockey India and a lacklustre establishment remained void of any serious mention or tribute—no to zero acknowledgment of a golden moment in our sporting history was done,” the great hockey superstar of yesteryears commented.

“Now imagine this. Malaysia invited me. Not only did they welcome me, they honoured me with extraordinary warmth and respect. The entire surviving Malaysian team was present, and the love they showed me cannot be described in words,” the 74-year-old Ashok Kumar said.

“The King, so humble and articulate, led the occasion with grace. I only wish our ruling class in India could learn from such dignity and appreciation,” he said.

“Gratitude to Malaysia—for remembering, for honouring, and for reminding the world how sport should be celebrated. The last words they said to me was Jai Hind!,” Ashok Kumar concluded.