Din Mohammad, Pakistan’s first international gold medallist, passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of over 100. A resident of the Bata Pur area in Lahore, he etched his name into the country’s sports history by clinching Pakistan’s maiden gold medal at the 1954 Asian Games in Manila.
Competing in wrestling, Din Mohammad triumphed over athletes from the Philippines, India, and Japan to secure the top spot on the podium. His achievements didn’t stop there—he also won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and represented Pakistan in several global competitions, earning accolades and raising the national flag with honour.
Confirming his death, a spokesperson for the Punjab Sports Board paid tribute to Din Mohammad’s groundbreaking victory in 1954, calling it a defining moment in Pakistan’s sports history.
Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar expressed deep grief, stating: “Din Mohammad’s contributions to wrestling and to Pakistan are truly unforgettable. He was a national hero who brought glory to the country.”
Punjab Director-General of Sports, Khizar Afzal Chaudhry, also offered heartfelt condolences, praying: “May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah. His legacy in Pakistani sports will be cherished for generations.”
Both officials extended prayers and sympathies to the bereaved family, remembering Din Mohammad as a source of national pride and a lasting inspiration for future athletes.
