Imran Sherwani, Great Britain’s Olympic hockey hero, dies at the age of 63

Imran Sherwani, who played on the British hockey team that won Olympic gold in 1988, has died at the age of 63, his family has announced.

Sherwani revealed in 2021 that he was diagnosed with juvenile Alzheimer’s in 2019, and his family continues to raise awareness about the condition. He represented Great Britain and England 94 times, the highlight being two goals in his team’s 3–1 final victory over West Germany in Seoul.

Sherwani’s second goal, which clinched the match, prompted a famous response from BBC commentator Barry Davies, who asked: “Where were the Germans? But honestly, who cares!”

It sparked British hockey’s biggest moment, watched by thousands of people at dawn at home in Britain. Imran was the third Asian player to play for GB, after Sutinder Kehar and Kulbir Bhaura, his 1988 teammate.

He came from a sporting family: his father played hockey for Pakistan and his great-uncles played football for Stoke City and Port Vale.

Recalling his biggest moment with the winning goal in Seoul, Sherwani said: “Batch [Steve Batchelor] did the German and I just passed for his pass and met him when he met him and slipped home. It was just incredible and I think we knew it then. It felt like that was it. It still makes me emotional. The win, the team, it’s all just a fantastic story and I’m privileged and lucky enough to be part of it.

Rich Beer, Chief Operating Officer of Great Britain Hockey, said: “Imran Sherwani will forever be remembered as one of the true icons of England and Great Britain Hockey. His talent, leadership and humility inspired generations of players and fans.”

Leek Hockey Club said: “Imran was one of Leek HC’s greatest players and perhaps their most influential. He joined Leek in 1996 and was the catalyst for an unprecedented period of success.

“Although it seems inconceivable to many that his greatest achievement was not the two goals he scored in winning gold for Great Britain in the 1988 Olympic final, Imran often emphasized that the 6-2 win against Old Georgians, which saw Leek promoted to the National League at Belle Vue in 2003, was his proudest moment.

“Imran was not only a great hockey player but also a great person and will be sadly missed by everyone at Leek Hockey Club.”