Gojra is known as Olympic City of Hockey.This city producrd 200+ international,92+ Olympians and more than 1500+ domestic hockey players to the World.
Gojra started its hockey international career in 1971 as in world cup hockey,Goal keeper Muhammad Aslam represented Pakistan,who is from Gojra. Many players represented Pakistan different Hockey World Cups. Following are the list of Pakistan International Players,from Gojra are as following:
As in Gojra, T. T Yaqoob is Pioneer of Hockey in this City. In 1969 Muhammad Aslam Roda played as a full back in Pakistan Team. Gojra contributed a number of players to the Pakistan Hockey team, including Iqbal Bali and Muhammad Aslam .[11] When they returned to Gojra they established their own hockey teams, and provided free training to the youth of the city and created a nursery for the Pakistan hockey team and many of the Pakistan hockey team players.
The Gojra Hockey Club (a local club, has won this year's Jat Tar Singh memorial U19 (Under 19) hockey tournament, this high profile tournament was held in India, where Gojra city team competed again best of Indian U19 hockey teams and won the championship.[12] The Gojra team won this title by defeating Amritsar Academy 4–2 at Ludhiana hockey stadium.
Manzoor-ul-Hassan (also known as Manzoor Sr.) and Rasheed-ul-Hasan, brothers were the main source of inspiration for hockey and established it in their native town. They brought Gojra to be recognised in the hockey playing nations of the world. Manzoor-ul-Hassan (1972–1982) played 154 games and scored 101 goals for Pakistan. He was given the name "Wall of China" because he was so hard to beat as he was a defender (full back). Rashid-ul-Hassan played 199 matches and scored 9 goals. He was the backbone of the Pakistan Hockey team from 1979 to 1987.
Gojra has 3 different hockey academies which are currently operating in city as
These hockey Academies currently run by Tahir Zaman,Rasheed ul hassan respctively. Gojra has produced 112+ Pakistan international hockey players.Gojra Hockey Stadium is only one at tehsil level in the country which had Astro Turf ground for the players, and several international matches have also been played on the ground. Gojra has distinct attribute that this city has mith that hockey is in blood of Gojra. Currently Pakistan Hockey team has many players from Gojra.[13]
Muhammad Aslam (Roda) is a one of founder of Hockey in Gojra. He produced 100+ international and 1400+ domestic hockey players for Pakistan. Absolutely,he served hockey in true meanings.His services in regard of Hockey is always remembered.He is Given Hero Status in Town.
Gojra is very famous for its hockey love and it is said that Hockey is in blood of this City. Every person in this city loves to play hockey . This city produced 112+ Pakistan international and 1500+ domestic hockey players . Gojra is the Only City in the World that has produced highest amount of athletes (112+ Pakistan International hockey players) that belonged to same city , which is world record which belonged to Gojra.
http://nation.com.pk/national/16-Aug-2012/gojra-has-produced-112-international-hockey-players
MC High School is very famous in Gojra. This School is known for its Educational and Sports History.Pakistan's hockey team is indebted to this school in the Punjab. Govt. M.C High School, has forged a remarkable reputation for taking children from poor backgrounds and training them to be international hockey stars.
This School produced 57 international Hockey players for Pakistan. [14].