By Asher Butt

Few names in Pakistan’s sports journalism carry the weight of history and experience like Shahid Sheikh, the veteran journalist who has spent more than four decades chronicling the nation’s sporting highs and lows. In a candid conversation with host Syed Ali Raza on Ali Raza Official YouTube channel, Sheikh shared his remarkable journey — from his early days in the 1970s to covering international events in 36 countries, meeting legendary athletes, and witnessing Pakistan’s golden era of hockey and what not.

Early beginnings

Shahid Sheikh’s passion for journalism was nurtured in a family environment steeped in media. His uncle, Sheikh Abdul Rafi Nasim, was a lifelong reporter, and the young Sheikh grew up surrounded by press gatherings and debates. By the mid-1970s, he was already writing for newspapers, with his first reports published in leading dailies without a single edit — a moment that cemented his confidence.

His formal career began in 1981, when he joined Daily Jang Lahore. His first assignment was translating a lengthy report on the World University Games in Moscow, a task he completed with precision. Soon, he was a regular staffer, earning his first salary of Rs. 1,347 per month — a significant sum at the time.

Behind the scenes of cricket’s turbulent era

Sheikh recalled the dramatic 1982 player rebellion against Javed Miandad, when senior cricketers including Majid Khan and Mushtaq Mohammad refused to play under his captaincy. Sheikh was at the heart of the coverage, often chasing late-night exclusives from the homes of Majid Khan and Imran Khan. His reporting during this crisis earned him the trust of editors and eventually the responsibility of overseeing Jang’s daily sports page, weekly color page, and overall sports coverage.

He also spoke of Imran Khan’s rise, noting how Jang Lahore’s coverage played a pivotal role in shaping his image as a national hero. “Imran had leadership qualities, no doubt, but the media’s role in building his stature cannot be ignored,” Sheikh remarked.

Golden era of hockey

Sheikh fondly remembered Pakistan’s dominance in hockey during the 1980s and early 1990s. He covered tournaments where Pakistan was crowned Olympic and Asian Games champion, and later witnessed the revival under foreign coaches in 1994, when Pakistan won the World Cup and Champions Trophy. He believes that modern training, foreign expertise, and league structures — similar to cricket’s PSL — are essential for hockey’s revival today.

Football and sports administration

Turning to football, Sheikh lamented Pakistan’s failure to capitalize on its global popularity. Despite Sialkot manufacturing official FIFA World Cup balls, Pakistan ranks near the bottom in FIFA standings. He attributed this decline to political interference and lack of institutional support, noting that restoring departmental teams like WAPDA and Army could revive the sport.

On sports governance, Sheikh was critical of the Pakistan Sports Board, pointing out that most of its budget is consumed by administration rather than athlete development. He cited the example of javelin star Arshad Nadeem, who rose to prominence only after receiving support from WAPDA and the Army.

International coverage

Sheikh’s career took him across the globe, covering the Asian Games, Olympics, and other international events. He recalled assignments in Korea, Barcelona, and Kuwait, emphasizing that international exposure is vital for journalists to truly understand the dynamics of global sport.

Advice to the next generation

In his closing remarks, Sheikh urged young athletes to focus solely on performance rather than nepotism (sifarish). “There are no shortcuts in sports. Recommendations may help briefly, but only hard work and merit bring lasting success,” he said.

A legacy of integrity and insight

From covering Pakistan’s cricket controversies to celebrating its hockey triumphs, Shahid Sheikh’s journey shows the evolution of sports journalism in Pakistan. His stories offer not just a chronicle of events but a window into the struggles, triumphs, and lessons that continue to shape the nation’s sporting identity. This conversation is a clear enduring relevance of sports journalism in Pakistan, the golden era of hockey, and the future of football administration. Sheikh’s reflections remind us that the role of a journalist is not only to report but to preserve history and inspire future generations.