- His funeral will be held on Monday in his hometown of Turap, Attock.
- Pakistan Athletics Federation pays tribute to Younis.
- Younis represented Pakistan in the 800m and 1500m events in the 1970s.
KARACHI: Malik Muhammad Younis, one of Pakistan’s most famous middle-distance runners whose national record has stood for nearly 50 years, died of a heart attack on Tuesday, his family and the Pakistan Athletics Federation said. I admitted it.
He was 77 years old.
Younis is widely known as a pioneer in Pakistani athletics and represented Pakistan in the 800m and 1500m events in several international competitions throughout the 1970s. Known for his endurance and speed, Younis won 56 gold medals at home and 27 overseas. His most notable victories include a gold medal at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran and a double podium with gold and silver medals at the 1973 Asian Athletics Championships in Manila. Masu.
His funeral will be held on Monday in his hometown of Tulap in Attock district, where he will be buried, his family said.
His son Bilal Ahmed confirmed to Geo News that Younis was fine before he complained of anxiety tonight. Although he returned after receiving medical attention, he died at home.
The Pakistan Athletics Federation paid tribute to Younis, saying, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi rajun.” It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Pakistan Athletics’ legendary captain Malik Younis (retired). His extraordinary contribution to the sporting world and his achievements in the Pakistani sports world will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. ”
Younis’ career was punctuated by historic achievements that cemented his place in Pakistan’s sporting world. The Japanese 1,500m record of 3:41.4, set in Cologne, Germany in 1970, remains unbroken. In 1971 and 1977, he set Japanese records for the 3,000 meters (8:05.65) and 5,000 meters (14:08.4), respectively, at competitions held in Germany.
He also represented Pakistan in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.
His participation in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal was a turning point, as a clerical error forced him to compete in the 800 meters instead of his favorite 1,500 meters. Despite the setback, Younis set a new Japanese record in the 800 meters at the meet, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
In 1979, Younis’ playing career was abruptly cut short by a serious motorcycle accident, which left him unable to continue at the elite level. However, he remained deeply involved in athletics and served as an inspiration to young athletes across Pakistan.
His contributions were formally recognized in 1991 when he received the Pride of Performance Award, one of Pakistan’s highest honors for contributions to the arts, sciences and sports.
Younis’ death marks the end of an era in Pakistani athletics.
