When Lala Ayub was alive, hockey in Frontier Province was at its zenith. Greens hotel Peshawar cantt which he owned was the hub of hockey players of the province who were always to be found in Lala’s office in his company seeking his advice and guidance for promotion of hockey. His views were listened to with respect and given weight by the PHF. Lala Ayub was also International grade one hockey umpire. His reputation as an hockey stalwart had spread so far and wide that the Spanish government appointed him as a coach for Spanish team for one year.
Very few people knew that Lala Ayub was instrumental in the selection of that national hockey team of Pakistan ‘ which won gold medal in 1960 in Rome Olympics.
Dedicated sportsmen like him are born once in a blue moon. It is a pity that no hockey ground or stadium in the country was named after him sports, magazines of the country also deemed it un necessary to spotlight his achievements in the field of hockey. Besides, Lala was most liked person in Peshawar cantonment. He was accessible to all and sundry and helped the residents of his area with open heart.
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