Ali Dara

Ali Iqtidar Shah Dara or just Ali Dara was born on April 1, 1915. He was an Indian and later Pakistani field hockey player. He also participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics and in the 1948 Summer Olympics. Before independence in the year 1936, he was a member of the Indian field hockey team. That Indian Team won the gold medal in the Olympics. As forwarder he played two matches in that Olympics. In the 1948 tournament, about twelve years later, he participated for Pakistan. As forward, he played all seven matches.

An eminent player and an excellent team player Ali Iqtidar Shah Dara redefined hockey in India to a great extent. During the 1936 the Germans decided to play rough during the Olympic hockey final. They took the decision after six goals had been scored against them. The German goalkeeper did away with one of Dhyan`s teeth. As recalled by Ali Iqtidar Shah Dara, "Returning after receiving first aid, Dhyan `instructed us not to score any more goals. "We must teach them a lesson in ball control," Ali Iqtidar Shah Dara accompanied with his other team members therefore repeatedly took the ball up to the German circle for the greater purpose puzzling the opponent. This ended up in beating Germany.

This great player, Ali Iqtidar Shah Dara, died on 16th January, 1981.

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