THE sporting community has lost track legend Ishtiaq Mobarak at the age 65. Ishtiaq, who died on Friday, was known for his hurdling prowess and stylish personality on the track from the mid 60's till 1978.
He was a friend and colleague at Maybank and served in the 80's as a sports coordinator. He was a guiding force in turning the bank into a powerhouse in athletics, football and hockey.
He had the knack of identifying and nurturing young talented athletes into national champions. One of his protégés is former international decathlete and national coach Hanapiah Nasir.
His wife Shamini Mubarak (K. Selvarani) was a former national 400m hurdler who was coached by Ishtiaq himself at the Kampong Pandan Sports Complex in the 70's and 80's.
I had the honour to work with him as a middle and long-distance coach for the inter bank athletics meet where Maybank emerged champions for at least 10 years under his strong guidance. He was known for his ferocious work ethics, extraordinary talent and passion as an athlete and coach.
Ishtiaq is best remembered for winning four SEA Games gold medals in 1969, 1971, 1973, and 1977; a silver at the 1974 Asian Games; and silver at the Asian track and field in 1973 and 1975.
In 1978, he was awarded the Ahli Mangku Negara along with his 1977 Sea Games coach Edwin Abraham and athletes such as Datuk Marina Chin, Jessica Lau, Smit Bolkiah for capturing five golds at the KL Sea Games.
He represented the nation in three Olympics: 1968 (Mexico), 1972 (Munich) and 1976 (Montreal). He was a semi-finalist in the 110m hurdles at Montreal.
Goodbye my dear friend. May your soul rest in peace.
C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu
Seremban
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