Shafiur Rahman

Amzad Hossain never thought a day like this would come in his life and he would be receiving an award from the country’s prime minster.

Amzad, a retired army lieutenant who was the national pole vault champion for 13 consecutive years from 1974 to 1986, was, therefore, emotion-choked when he received his national sports award from the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, on Thursday.

‘I thought I am a forgotten a man like many others once I retired from the army,’ said a tearful Amzad. ‘But now this award gave me a sense of satisfaction that I am still alive in some people’s mind.’

It was an emotional reunion for many sportspersons like Amzad, who has been living in his village home in Brahmanbaria with his wife and a grandson since his retirement in 1999.

Amzad lost his only son a few years ago and since then had been waiting for his

recognition that was long overdue.

Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, a former kabaddi player, had his one leg amputated for diabetes in 2005 which left him confined at his home since then.

The award ceremony provided him with a chance to meet many of his old fellows after a long gap.

‘I used to watch every match from the gallery after my playing days ended. But nowadays I cannot do this which is my only regret in life. I wish I could enjoy the game again but I know it is not possible,’ said the former kabaddi player.

It was a tearful day for former athlete Jahirul Haque Ratan, who received the posthumous award for his wife Shamim Ara Tolly, former sprint queen who died last year due to kidney complications.

Tolly was alive when her name was announced as the recipient of 2009 national sports award but she could not receive it in her own hand because of an unusual delay for the award ceremony.

Her first death anniversary is on Friday which made it more painful for the family.

‘Tolly would have been extremely happy if she was alive today. Now it has turned into nothing but a medal for me,’ said Ratan.

In this days of Twenty 20 cricket Abdul Mojid Koran may be a forgotten name but his star image in 1950s and 60s is still vivid in the memory of many people of his age.

Koran who hit more than fifty half-centuries in the Dhaka First Division League came to the award programme with his 19 year old grandson Pial.

‘I am very happy that I got this award in my lifetime. This is quite an achievement for me,’ said 72 year old Koran.

‘I cannot watch modern days cricket because of my age but it would have been great if I could do that,’ he said.