MUSCAT: Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi, one of the greatest sporting legends, died aged 89 in Muscat on Wednesday.
SAS Naqvi was the former national hockey coach for Oman and India but was widely admired for revolutionising the game in the Sultanate.
The Embassy of India paid homage to Naqvi. “The Embassy conveys its condolences on the passing away of noted Indian sports figure, Mr. Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi. He was a well-loved & respected figure in the sports field and was the coach of the Indian Hockey Team (Men & Women) as well as of the Oman Hockey team,” the Embassy said in a statement.
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In 1982, Naqvi came to Oman on a two-year deputation and stayed on for the next 39 years. He revived the game of hockey and started the Olympic movement in the Sultanate.
“Sad and shocking. The Man who loved ate, breathed hockey has become memory. Can’t and will never forget the association with this legendary personality, whom India failed to recognise. My heartfelt condolences to his son Inayat Naqvi and family and all who knew him in close quarters. Rest In Peace Dearest Naqvi Ji,” wrote Mohandoss T Kalathil, former Sports Editor of Times of Oman.
Naqvi was the coach of the Indian hockey team (men) in 1973 and 1975, coach of the Indian hockey team (women) in 1978 and 1979, national hockey coach of Oman in 1982, and Technical Adviser of the Oman Olympic Committee for 18 years from 1984 to 2002.
