Sindh – Pakistan has lost a national icon. Baba Din Mohammad, the country’s first-ever gold medalist, passed away at the age of 104. The Sports Board Punjab confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that the legendary wrestler had been under treatment at a hospital for a prolonged illness.
Baba Din Mohammad made history in 1954 when he won a gold medal in wrestling at the Asian Games held in Manila. His victory marked Pakistan’s first gold medal in any international wrestling competition. It was a moment that lifted the nation’s spirits just seven years after independence.
The government, athletes, and fans have expressed deep sorrow over the death of the pioneering sportsman. Tributes continue to pour in on social media, with many calling him a symbol of national pride and perseverance.
A Trailblazer in Pakistani Sports
Born in 1921 in the pre-partition era, Baba Din Mohammad began wrestling at an early age. He trained without modern facilities, yet his discipline and strength made him a formidable opponent in the ring. His gold medal at the Asian Games in Manila not only brought international recognition to Pakistan but also inspired countless young athletes across the country.
Throughout his life, he remained committed to mentoring and promoting wrestling. Even in old age, he continued to attend wrestling events and offered guidance to young wrestlers. He never sought fame or political office, instead choosing to live a simple life rooted in his passion for sports.
Nationwide Tributes and Final Goodbye
Following his death, the Sports Board Punjab and the Pakistan Wrestling Federation announced that they would organize a commemorative wrestling event in his honor. A minute of silence was also observed at major sports institutions across the country.
Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab and senior officials have conveyed condolences to the family. Prime Minister’s Office also issued a statement recognizing Baba Din Mohammad as one of the “founding figures of Pakistan’s sporting history.”
His funeral will be held today in his hometown with state honors.
Pakistan has lost more than just an athlete; it has lost a symbol of strength, perseverance, and unity. Baba Din Mohammad will forever remain a national icon in the country’s history.
