UNUS ALLADIN

Brenda Smith

Sarinder Dillon

25 Years On … And Still Going Strong!

I have always been a fan of Shaheen Sports Club and I remember the first game I ever covered as a sports journalist for the local paper was a match between Shaheen and Club de Recreio. Coincidentally, that was also 1982 when Shaheen first came into prominence.

As many of us know, the club was an amalgamation of two local clubs, Sunderbanz and Zindabad and I remember covering my first assignment at King’s Park knowing I was about to watch a team bristling with talent. I was not disappointed.

Like a handful of fans who bothered to turn up for the match on that cold winter’s day, I was duly impressed by this new team called Shaheen and I remember the club ran out 3-1 winners.

Through the years, Shaheen have built a loyal fan base, winning fans with their brand of attractive, attacking play and the club remains a joy to watch even to this day.

Shaheen never really had humble beginnings – they were a major force in the local league as soon as they were formed! The club won countless trophies, including a unique treble several years ago. There wasn’t any competition Shaheen couldn’t win.

Shaheen have gone from strength to strength, dominating the local league like no other team before them. The club’s dedication, skill, determination, and most of all fair play, are some of the club’s attributes.

Some of the players who represented the club 25 years ago are still playing with the club today and I am delighted Shaheen have enlisted more local Chinese players, making youth its policy, while keeping its work ethics intact.

I am extremely happy to hear that the Shaheen ladies’ team are also starting to enjoy success, winning both the 1st Division league and the Knockout Cup this season for a fantastic ‘double’. Surely, nobody would have envisioned the club’s success would go this far way back in 1982.

Shaheen Sports Club now celebrates its silver jubilee and I for one would like to salute the club for entertaining us through the years, showing just how hockey should be played and displaying the true spirit of champions.

Happy Anniversary, Shaheen! May you continue to enjoy more success in the years to come!

UNUS ALLADIN
Sports Journalist

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Brenda Smith, Vice President of Hong Kong Association

I would like to send my warmest congratulations to Shaheen Sports Club on reaching this milestone. Not only have you made it to 25 years but they have been a glorious 25 years with the Men's team being one of the top league teams throughout the entire period, taking home silverware in the league and cup competitions on numerous occasions. 

But without wishing to detract from the wonderful achievements of your Men's team’s l believe that what Shaheen has done for Women's hockey in the latter part of your 25 year history has been even more remarkable. In a few short years your Women's A team has risen to the very pinnacle of Women's Hockey winning both cup and league titles last season. Moreover Shaheen is providing hockey opportunities to Women players at all levels with 4 teams in the Women's league.

Throughout the club's history Shaheen players have received recognition at national level. The men in particular have contributed to the success of the national squad over many years and this contribution is now being matched by Shaheen's top women players. Very importantly, a Shaheen player became only the third Hong Kong woman in history to receive international umpiring status.

Amidst all of this rapid growth and success Shaheen has also contributed to the development of Hong Kong hockey through the involvement of its players in the work of the Association; in administration, coaching, team managements and umpiring. Such support and commitment is very much appreciated.

I know that Shaheen has further initiatives in mind and will be enhancing their junior development programmes in the coming seasons. With this I am sure Shaheen Sports Club's future is assured and I have no doubt that the club will be celebrating even greater achievements at the various milestones along the way to its golden anniversary in 2032. Whether I will be able to celebrate with in 2032 I don't know, but I wish Shaheen their very best for the years ahead and look forward to sharing in their success for at least some of that time.

Congratulations!  

Brenda Smith
Vice President,
Hong Kong Hockey Associatio

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Sarinder Dillon

It gives me great pleasure, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Shaheen Sports Club, to say a few words about the Club.

Since its inception in 1982, with the coming together of Zindabad and Sundabanz to form a new entity, Shaheen Sports Club has grown from strength to strength. The achievements of the Shaheen men’s team over the past 25 years, winning major titles year in year out, is evident that Shaheen has earned the title of being the most successful club in the history of hockey in Hong Kong.

I am pleased that during the recent years, Shaheen has expanded into women’s hockey and junior development. It further strengthens the club and help in the development of the game in Hong Kong. Well done, Shaheen and well done Ahmed Khan, the driving force behind this.

Whilst I do not wish to detract from the fact that Shaheen has produced excellent players over the years, mention must be made of two great hockey families who have donned the colours of the club. I am of course referring to the Din brothers (Hamid, Hanife, Khalil and Asgkar) and the Ali brothers (Asghar, Akbar, Asif and Arif).  Whilst each of them has their own special characteristics, they all have one thing in common and that is contributing to the success of the Shaheen Sports Club.

I convey my heartiest congratulations to all the officials and members of Shaheen in attaining this important milestone in their impressive history. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Sarinder Dillon
President
Hong Kong Hockey Association

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