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{{Short description|Bangladeshi footballer (1935–2024)}}
{{Short description|Bangladeshi footballer (1935–2024)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Zahirul Haque
| name = Zahirul Haque
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| image_size =
| image_size =
| fullname = Zahirul Haque Zahir
| fullname = Zahirul Haque Zahir
| birth_date = {{birth date|1935|1|5|df=y}}<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/vfii0go25b|title=চলে গেলেন ফুটবলার জহিরুল হক|language=bn|date=January 6, 2024|website=Prothomalo|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185020/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/vfii0go25b|url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date|1935|1|5|df=y}}<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/vfii0go25b|title=চলে গেলেন ফুটবলার জহিরুল হক|language=bn|date=6 January 2024|website=Prothomalo|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185020/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/vfii0go25b|url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Brahmanbaria District]], [[Bengal Presidency]], [[British India]] (present-day [[Bangladesh]])<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/vzt7ro7qq4|title=ফুটবল অঙ্গন ভুলেই গেছে জহিরুল হককে, নীরব বিদায় মোহামেডান কিংবদন্তির|language=bn|date=January 6, 2024|website=Prothomalo|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185222/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/vzt7ro7qq4|url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Brahmanbaria District]], [[Bengal Presidency]], [[British India]] (present-day [[Bangladesh]])<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/vzt7ro7qq4|title=ফুটবল অঙ্গন ভুলেই গেছে জহিরুল হককে, নীরব বিদায় মোহামেডান কিংবদন্তির|language=bn|date=6 January 2024|website=Prothomalo|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185222/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/vzt7ro7qq4|url-status=live}}</ref>
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|01|6|1935|01|05|df=y}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|01|6|1935|01|05|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh
| death_place = [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh
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==Early life==
==Early life==
Born in [[Nabinagar Upazila]] of [[Brahmanbaria District]] on 5 January 1935, Zahir completed his [[Matriculation examination]] from Salgram High School in 1952.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/188594|language=bn|title=কিংবদন্তি ফুটবলার জহিরের ঈদ ‘অন্য’ দিনের মতোই!|first=Arafat|last=Joarder|date=January 1, 1970|website=dhakapost.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185157/https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/188594|url-status=live}}</ref> Eventually, he took up a job in the Dhaka Law Reports office in order to finance further education. He was later able to continue his studies at [[Jagannath College]].<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/sport/2024/01/06/1352503|title=ফুটবলে তখন নাম ছিল, টাকা-পয়সার ব্যাপার ছিল না|first=Shajahan|last=Kabir|date=January 6, 2024|website=Kalerkantho|language=bn|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/gF9jq|url-status=live}}</ref>
Born in [[Nabinagar Upazila]] of [[Brahmanbaria District]] on 5 January 1935, Zahir completed his [[Matriculation examination]] from Salgram High School in 1952.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/188594|language=bn|title=কিংবদন্তি ফুটবলার জহিরের ঈদ ‘অন্য’ দিনের মতোই!|first=Arafat|last=Joarder|date=1 January 1970|website=dhakapost.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185157/https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/188594|url-status=live}}</ref> Eventually, he took up a job in the Dhaka Law Reports office in order to finance further education. He was later able to continue his studies at [[Jagannath College]].<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/sport/2024/01/06/1352503|title=ফুটবলে তখন নাম ছিল, টাকা-পয়সার ব্যাপার ছিল না|first=Shajahan|last=Kabir|date=6 January 2024|website=Kalerkantho|language=bn|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/gF9jq|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Club career==
==Club career==
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===Mohammedan Sporting Club===
===Mohammedan Sporting Club===
[[File:Zahir awarded as the best footballer in 1964.png|thumb|left|Zahir receiving the Sports Writers Association's Best Footballer Award in 1964 as Mohammedan captain.]]
[[File:Zahir awarded as the best footballer in 1964.png|thumb|left|Zahir receiving the Sports Writers Association's Best Footballer Award in 1964 as Mohammedan captain.]]
Zahir quit his job in the East Pakistan Police force in 1960, and rejoined [[Bangladesh Bank]] (then the [[State Bank of Pakistan|State Bank]]). In the same year, he joined [[Dhaka Mohammedan|Mohammedan SC]] at the suggestion of the club's founder, Mohammad Shahjahan.<ref name="auto5"/> Zahir went on to serve as club captain from 1961 to 1965 (excluding 1963). He won seven [[Dhaka League]] titles while captaining the 1961 and 1965 triumphs. Zahir also won the [[Aga Khan Gold Cup]] twice, first as captain in 1964 and again in 1968.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edition/sports/2024/01/07/1352653|language=bn|title=চলে গেলেন কৃতী ফুটবলার জহির|date=January 6, 2024|website=Kalerkantho|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/QbUbj|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> He played in the finals of Pakistan's Independence Day Cup thirteen times and came out as champion on four different editions, all of them representing the Black and Whites.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.banglanews24.com/football/news/bd/1257565.details|language=bn|title=না ফেরার দেশে পাড়ি জমালেন জহিরুল হক|date=January 6, 2024|website=banglanews24.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185901/https://www.banglanews24.com/football/news/bd/1257565.details|url-status=live}}</ref>
Zahir quit his job in the East Pakistan Police force in 1960, and rejoined [[Bangladesh Bank]] (then the [[State Bank of Pakistan|State Bank]]). In the same year, he joined [[Dhaka Mohammedan|Mohammedan SC]] at the suggestion of the club's founder, Mohammad Shahjahan.<ref name="auto5"/> Zahir went on to serve as club captain from 1961 to 1965 (excluding 1963). He won seven [[Dhaka League]] titles while captaining the 1961 and 1965 triumphs. Zahir also won the [[Aga Khan Gold Cup]] twice, first as captain in 1964 and again in 1968.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edition/sports/2024/01/07/1352653|language=bn|title=চলে গেলেন কৃতী ফুটবলার জহির|date=6 January 2024|website=Kalerkantho|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/QbUbj|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> He played in the finals of Pakistan's Independence Day Cup thirteen times and came out as champion on four different editions, all of them representing the Black and Whites.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.banglanews24.com/football/news/bd/1257565.details|language=bn|title=না ফেরার দেশে পাড়ি জমালেন জহিরুল হক|date=6 January 2024|website=banglanews24.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185901/https://www.banglanews24.com/football/news/bd/1257565.details|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 13 February 1972, Zahir represented President's XI against Bangladesh XI during what was the first football game held since the [[Independence of Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%81-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2|language=bn|title=বঙ্গবন্ধু বলেছিলেন, ‘তোরা ভালো খেল’|first=Masud|last=Alam|website=Prothomalo|access-date=2022-08-30|archive-date=2022-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929080043/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%81-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2|url-status=live}}</ref> Later on that year, he was part of the Mohammedan team which won the first edition of the [[Independence Cup (Bangladesh)|Independence Cup]], a tournament held to celebrate the country's independence.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 May 2016|url=https://kironsportsdesk.com/2016/05/07/%e0%a7%aa%e0%a7%aa-%e0%a6%ac%e0%a6%9b%e0%a6%b0-%e0%a6%86%e0%a6%97%e0%a7%87-%e0%a6%aa%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%b0%e0%a6%a5%e0%a6%ae-%e0%a6%b8%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%ac%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%a7%e0%a7%80%e0%a6%a8%e0%a6%a4/|language=bn|title=৪৪ বছর আগে প্রথম স্বাধীনতা কাপে মোহামেডানের চ্যাম্পিয়নের নায়ক সালাউদ্দিন|website=Kiron's Sports Desk|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130145801/https://kironsportsdesk.com/2016/05/07/%E0%A7%AA%E0%A7%AA-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also won the league titles in 1975 and 1976, although by then as an irregular in the team. He retired on 3 May 1976, after securing his seventh and final league title with the club.<ref name="auto1"/> His sixteen-year-long spell at the club has not been matched by any player since.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/sports/national-footballer-zahirul-haque-passes-away|date=6 January 2024|title=৪৪ বছর আগে প্রথম স্বাধীনতা কাপে মোহামেডানের চ্যাম্পিয়নের নায়ক সালাউদ্দিন|website=The Financial Expres}}</ref>
On 13 February 1972, Zahir represented President's XI against Bangladesh XI during what was the first football game held since the [[Independence of Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%81-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2|language=bn|title=বঙ্গবন্ধু বলেছিলেন, ‘তোরা ভালো খেল’|first=Masud|last=Alam|website=Prothomalo|access-date=30 August 2022|archive-date=29 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929080043/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%81-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2|url-status=live}}</ref> Later on that year, he was part of the Mohammedan team which won the first edition of the [[Independence Cup (Bangladesh)|Independence Cup]], a tournament held to celebrate the country's independence.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 May 2016|url=https://kironsportsdesk.com/2016/05/07/%e0%a7%aa%e0%a7%aa-%e0%a6%ac%e0%a6%9b%e0%a6%b0-%e0%a6%86%e0%a6%97%e0%a7%87-%e0%a6%aa%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%b0%e0%a6%a5%e0%a6%ae-%e0%a6%b8%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%ac%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%a7%e0%a7%80%e0%a6%a8%e0%a6%a4/|language=bn|title=৪৪ বছর আগে প্রথম স্বাধীনতা কাপে মোহামেডানের চ্যাম্পিয়নের নায়ক সালাউদ্দিন|website=Kiron's Sports Desk|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130145801/https://kironsportsdesk.com/2016/05/07/%E0%A7%AA%E0%A7%AA-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also won the league titles in 1975 and 1976, although by then as an irregular in the team. He retired on 3 May 1976, after securing his seventh and final league title with the club.<ref name="auto1"/> His sixteen-year-long spell at the club has not been matched by any player since.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/sports/national-footballer-zahirul-haque-passes-away|date=6 January 2024|title=৪৪ বছর আগে প্রথম স্বাধীনতা কাপে মোহামেডানের চ্যাম্পিয়নের নায়ক সালাউদ্দিন|website=The Financial Expres}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
===East Pakistan===
===East Pakistan===
Zahir made his debut for the East Pakistan football team in 1957.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/football/913288|language=bn|title=চলে গেলেন পঞ্চাশের দশকের ফুটবলার জহিরুল হক|website=jagonews24.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190113/https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/football/913288|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1960, he was made team captain by coach [[Sheikh Shaheb Ali]] as East Pakistan made history by winning the [[Pakistan Premier League|National Football Championship]] for the very first time. In the tournament's final held in [[Karachi]], East Pakistan defeated Karachi White 1–0.<ref name="auto5"/> In 1963, he played for East Pakistan Sports Board XI against touring German club [[Fortuna Düsseldorf]].<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/593096/a-history-of-football-in-pakistan-part-ii|title=A history of football in Pakistan — Part II|first=Ali|last=Ahsan|date=December 23, 2010|website=DAWN.COM|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190858/https://www.dawn.com/news/593096/a-history-of-football-in-pakistan-part-ii|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1961, he represented East Pakistan Selected XI during two exhibition games against [[Myanmar national football team|Burma]] in [[Dhaka]] and [[Chittagong]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jugantor.com/sports/759978/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87|date=6 January 2024|title=চলে গেলেন ‘মোহামেডানের জহির ভাই|language=bn|website=Jugantor|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190126/https://www.jugantor.com/sports/759978/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1966, he captained East Pakistan XI during an exhibition match against Alga Soccer Club from the [[USA]]. After the National Championship was made division-based in 1961, Zahir represented [[Chittagong Division]] until 1970 as captain. In his final year, Chittagong won their first title by defeating [[Peshawar]] in the final held in [[Cumilla]].<ref name="auto5"/>
Zahir made his debut for the East Pakistan football team in 1957.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/football/913288|language=bn|title=চলে গেলেন পঞ্চাশের দশকের ফুটবলার জহিরুল হক|website=jagonews24.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190113/https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/football/913288|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1960, he was made team captain by coach [[Sheikh Shaheb Ali]] as East Pakistan made history by winning the [[Pakistan Premier League|National Football Championship]] for the very first time. In the tournament's final held in [[Karachi]], East Pakistan defeated Karachi White 1–0.<ref name="auto5"/> In 1963, he played for East Pakistan Sports Board XI against touring German club [[Fortuna Düsseldorf]].<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/593096/a-history-of-football-in-pakistan-part-ii|title=A history of football in Pakistan — Part II|first=Ali|last=Ahsan|date=23 December 2010|website=DAWN.COM|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190858/https://www.dawn.com/news/593096/a-history-of-football-in-pakistan-part-ii|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1961, he represented East Pakistan Selected XI during two exhibition games against [[Myanmar national football team|Burma]] in [[Dhaka]] and [[Chittagong]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jugantor.com/sports/759978/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87|date=6 January 2024|title=চলে গেলেন ‘মোহামেডানের জহির ভাই|language=bn|website=Jugantor|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190126/https://www.jugantor.com/sports/759978/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1966, he captained East Pakistan XI during an exhibition match against Alga Soccer Club from the [[USA]]. After the National Championship was made division-based in 1961, Zahir represented [[Chittagong Division]] until 1970 as captain. In his final year, Chittagong won their first title by defeating [[Peshawar]] in the final held in [[Cumilla]].<ref name="auto5"/>


===Pakistan===
===Pakistan===
Line 75: Line 76:


==Illness and death==
==Illness and death==
In September 2016, Zahir was admitted to Ayesha Memorial Hospital in [[Mohakhali]], Dhaka, after suffering from kidney complications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2|language=bn|title=হাসপাতালে ফুটবলার জহিরুল|date=September 12, 2016|website=Prothomalo|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190427/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2|url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2016, Zahir was admitted to Ayesha Memorial Hospital in [[Mohakhali]], Dhaka, after suffering from kidney complications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2|language=bn|title=হাসপাতালে ফুটবলার জহিরুল|date=12 September 2016|website=Prothomalo|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190427/https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2|url-status=live}}</ref>


Zahir died due to a heart attack at Ibn Sina Hospital, in Dhaka, on 6 January 2024. He was initially admitted to the hospital on 4 January due to heart complications and fell into a coma on his 89th birthday, the following day. Zahir was buried in the [[Banani graveyard]], beside his father, Nurul Haque.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.offsidebangladesh.com/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C/|language=bn|title=চলে গেলেন ‘মোহামেডানের জহির’!|date=January 6, 2024|website=offsidebangladesh.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190614/https://www.offsidebangladesh.com/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/former-national-footballer-zahirul-haque-no-more-3512391|title=Former national footballer Zahirul Haque no more|date=January 6, 2024|website=The Daily Star|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185324/https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/former-national-footballer-zahirul-haque-no-more-3512391|url-status=live}}</ref>
Zahir died due to a heart attack at Ibn Sina Hospital, in Dhaka, on 6 January 2024. He was initially admitted to the hospital on 4 January due to heart complications and fell into a coma on his 89th birthday, the following day. Zahir was buried in the [[Banani graveyard]], beside his father, Nurul Haque.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.offsidebangladesh.com/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C/|language=bn|title=চলে গেলেন ‘মোহামেডানের জহির’!|date=6 January 2024|website=offsidebangladesh.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190614/https://www.offsidebangladesh.com/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/former-national-footballer-zahirul-haque-no-more-3512391|title=Former national footballer Zahirul Haque no more|date=6 January 2024|website=The Daily Star|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107185324/https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/former-national-footballer-zahirul-haque-no-more-3512391|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Honours==
==Honours==
Line 100: Line 101:


'''Individual'''
'''Individual'''
*1964 − Sports Writers Association's Best Footballer Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/250651|title=মোহামেডানের কিংবদন্তি জহির আর নেই|date=January 6, 2024|website=dhakapost.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190724/https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/250651|url-status=live}}</ref>
*1964 − Sports Writers Association's Best Footballer Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/250651|title=মোহামেডানের কিংবদন্তি জহির আর নেই|date=6 January 2024|website=dhakapost.com|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107190724/https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/250651|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2001 − [[National Sports Awards (Bangladesh)|National Sports Award]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.banglatribune.com/sport/football/831220/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2|language=bn|date=6 January 2024|title=চলে গেলেন নামী ফুটবলার জহিরুল|website=Bangla Tribune}}</ref>
*2001 − [[National Sports Awards (Bangladesh)|National Sports Award]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.banglatribune.com/sport/football/831220/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2|language=bn|date=6 January 2024|title=চলে গেলেন নামী ফুটবলার জহিরুল|website=Bangla Tribune}}</ref>
*2012 − [[Grameenphone Prothom-alo sports awards|Grameenphone - Prothom Alo Sports Lifetime award of the Year]].<ref name="auto3"/>
*2012 − [[Grameenphone Prothom-alo sports awards|Grameenphone - Prothom Alo Sports Lifetime award of the Year]].<ref name="auto3"/>

Revision as of 00:25, 9 January 2024

Zahirul Haque
Zahir in 2013
Personal information
Full name Zahirul Haque Zahir
Date of birth (1935-01-05)5 January 1935[1]
Place of birth Brahmanbaria District, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Bangladesh)[2]
Date of death 6 January 2024(2024-01-06) (aged 89)
Place of death Dhaka, Bangladesh
Position(s) Right Back
Youth career
1953 Central Printing Press
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1954 Tejgaon Friends Union
1955 Central Printing Press
1956 Tejgaon Friends Union
1957–1958 Central Printing Press
1959 Police AC
1960–1976 Mohammedan SC
International career
1957–1960 East Pakistan
1961–1964 Pakistan[3]
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Zahirul Haque (Template:Lang-bn; 5 January 1935 – 6 January 2024), simply known as Zahir, was a Bangladeshi football player who played as a right back.[1]

Early life

Born in Nabinagar Upazila of Brahmanbaria District on 5 January 1935, Zahir completed his Matriculation examination from Salgram High School in 1952.[4] Eventually, he took up a job in the Dhaka Law Reports office in order to finance further education. He was later able to continue his studies at Jagannath College.[5]

Club career

Early career

Zahir debuted in Dhaka football with Central Printing and Stationery Club in the Dhaka Second Division League and became league champion the same season. In 1954, he entered the first division, the Dhaka League, with Tejgaon Friends Union through the recommendation of the club's administrator, Dinesh Chandra Sen.[5]

Zahir alternated between playing for Central Printing and Tejgaon Friends from 1955 to 1958.[6][7] He also helped Central Printing finish as runners-up in the league during his final spell in 1958 and in the same year, played in the IFA Shield as a guest player for Mohammedan SC. He took up a job in the East Pakistan Police in 1959 and represented Police AC in the league that year alongside notable East Pakistani player Nabi Chowdhury, who had previously captained the Pakistan national team.[5]

Mohammedan Sporting Club

Zahir receiving the Sports Writers Association's Best Footballer Award in 1964 as Mohammedan captain.

Zahir quit his job in the East Pakistan Police force in 1960, and rejoined Bangladesh Bank (then the State Bank). In the same year, he joined Mohammedan SC at the suggestion of the club's founder, Mohammad Shahjahan.[5] Zahir went on to serve as club captain from 1961 to 1965 (excluding 1963). He won seven Dhaka League titles while captaining the 1961 and 1965 triumphs. Zahir also won the Aga Khan Gold Cup twice, first as captain in 1964 and again in 1968.[8][2] He played in the finals of Pakistan's Independence Day Cup thirteen times and came out as champion on four different editions, all of them representing the Black and Whites.[9]

On 13 February 1972, Zahir represented President's XI against Bangladesh XI during what was the first football game held since the Independence of Bangladesh.[10] Later on that year, he was part of the Mohammedan team which won the first edition of the Independence Cup, a tournament held to celebrate the country's independence.[11] He also won the league titles in 1975 and 1976, although by then as an irregular in the team. He retired on 3 May 1976, after securing his seventh and final league title with the club.[4] His sixteen-year-long spell at the club has not been matched by any player since.[12]

International career

East Pakistan

Zahir made his debut for the East Pakistan football team in 1957.[13] In 1960, he was made team captain by coach Sheikh Shaheb Ali as East Pakistan made history by winning the National Football Championship for the very first time. In the tournament's final held in Karachi, East Pakistan defeated Karachi White 1–0.[5] In 1963, he played for East Pakistan Sports Board XI against touring German club Fortuna Düsseldorf.[14] In 1961, he represented East Pakistan Selected XI during two exhibition games against Burma in Dhaka and Chittagong.[15] In 1966, he captained East Pakistan XI during an exhibition match against Alga Soccer Club from the USA. After the National Championship was made division-based in 1961, Zahir represented Chittagong Division until 1970 as captain. In his final year, Chittagong won their first title by defeating Peshawar in the final held in Cumilla.[5]

Pakistan

On 18 January 1961, Zahir debuted for the Pakistan national team during a 1–3 defeat to the touring Burma. He was also part of the Pakistan team which finished runners-up in the 1962 Merdeka Tournament.[16][1] The following year, he represented Pakistan against the touring China national team, under fellow East Pakistani, coach Sheikh Shaheb Ali.[14] In 1964, he participated in the China Independence Day Cup and also appeared in three exhibition games against Baku club from the Soviet Union.[17] The games were held in Dhaka, Chittagong and Karachi, respectively, with Zahir captaining Pakistan during the game held in Chittagong.[2]

Illness and death

In September 2016, Zahir was admitted to Ayesha Memorial Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, after suffering from kidney complications.[18]

Zahir died due to a heart attack at Ibn Sina Hospital, in Dhaka, on 6 January 2024. He was initially admitted to the hospital on 4 January due to heart complications and fell into a coma on his 89th birthday, the following day. Zahir was buried in the Banani graveyard, beside his father, Nurul Haque.[2][19][7]

Honours

Central Printing Press & Stationery Club

Mohammedan SC

East Pakistan

Chittagong District

Pakistan

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b c d "চলে গেলেন ফুটবলার জহিরুল হক". Prothomalo (in Bengali). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "ফুটবল অঙ্গন ভুলেই গেছে জহিরুল হককে, নীরব বিদায় মোহামেডান কিংবদন্তির". Prothomalo (in Bengali). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  3. ^ "বাঙালির ফুটবল-সাফল্য এখন কেবলই স্মৃতি". Uttaradhikar 71 News (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 6 April 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  4. ^ a b Joarder, Arafat (1 January 1970). "কিংবদন্তি ফুটবলার জহিরের ঈদ 'অন্য' দিনের মতোই!". dhakapost.com (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Kabir, Shajahan (6 January 2024). "ফুটবলে তখন নাম ছিল, টাকা-পয়সার ব্যাপার ছিল না". Kalerkantho (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  6. ^ "Former national footballer Zahirul Haque passes away". Daily Bangladesh. 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Former national footballer Zahirul Haque no more". The Daily Star. 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  8. ^ "চলে গেলেন কৃতী ফুটবলার জহির". Kalerkantho (in Bengali). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  9. ^ "না ফেরার দেশে পাড়ি জমালেন জহিরুল হক". banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  10. ^ Alam, Masud. "বঙ্গবন্ধু বলেছিলেন, 'তোরা ভালো খেল'". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
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  13. ^ "চলে গেলেন পঞ্চাশের দশকের ফুটবলার জহিরুল হক". jagonews24.com (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  14. ^ a b Ahsan, Ali (23 December 2010). "A history of football in Pakistan — Part II". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  15. ^ "চলে গেলেন 'মোহামেডানের জহির ভাই". Jugantor (in Bengali). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  16. ^ "চলে গেলেন সাবেক ফুটবলার জহিরুল হক". Khaborer Kagoj (in Bengali). 6 January 2024.
  17. ^ "সাবেক জাতীয় ফুটবলার জহিরুল আর নেই". Daily Janakantha (in Bengali). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  18. ^ "হাসপাতালে ফুটবলার জহিরুল". Prothomalo (in Bengali). 12 September 2016. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  19. ^ "চলে গেলেন 'মোহামেডানের জহির'!". offsidebangladesh.com (in Bengali). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  20. ^ "মোহামেডানের কিংবদন্তি জহির আর নেই". dhakapost.com. 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024.
  21. ^ "চলে গেলেন নামী ফুটবলার জহিরুল". Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). 6 January 2024.

Bibliography

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