Khan Sahib Syed Ahmed Rashid’s contribution to upliftment of the Hockey Division of Mohammaden Sporting Club led him to represent Hockey in Bengal and then to Hockey at the All India level by his representation in the Indian Hockey Federation.
During that memorable year of 1932 when the Indian team participated for the first time in the Olympics. Khan Sahib Syed Ahmed Rashid’s in addition to being joint Secretary of The Indian Hockey Federation was also elected to act as Secretary Indian Hockey Federation.
A brief resume and the few clippings from amongst the many are reproduced below.
Khan Sahib Syed Ahmed Rashid was the first Muslim to be elected as Joint Secretary to the Bengal Hockey Association for the years 1931-1932.
In March 1932 he very successfully managed the All India Inter-Provincial Hockey Tournament in Calcutta in connection with the 1932 Hockey Olympic tour. His Services in this connection were highly appreciated by the Indian Hockey Federation, the Bengal Hockey Association and all the Secretaries of the Provincial Hockey Associations who visited Calcutta.
Khan Sahib Syed Ahmed Rashid was one of the efficient Hockey Referees in Calcutta and was a Council Member of the Calcutta Hockey Referees Association.
He was connected with many clubs, Welfare organization and associations in Bengal and was the Hon. Secretary of the Oriental Sporting Club and the Aligarh Old Boy’s Association, Bengal Branch. Khan Sahib Syed Ahmed Rashid has been the Vice President of the Muhammadan Athletic Club, Afghan Club, the Cresent Athletic Club and the Model Sporting Club etc.
In May 1932 the Indian Hockey Federation elected him unanimously as the Joint Secretary of the All India Hockey Federation, Khan Sahib Syed Ahmed Rashid was one of the excellent Hockey, Cricket, Football and Tennis players of schools and colleges and clubs and won a number of gold and silver models, cups and other prizes.
In recognition of his excellent social, welfare and sporting activities and public services, the Government conferred upon him the title of Khan Sahib in June 1932. He was the first Indian to receive the title for such activities in India. A big public luncheon was given in his honour at the Great Eastern Hotel, presided over by the Honourable late Maharaja M.N. Roy of Santosh, when high tributes were paid by Sir Alfred Wetson, Honourable Khawaja Sir Nazimuddin and other leading men of Bengal for Khan Sahib’s excellent services to sports and social activities in Bengal.
Khan Sahib Syed Ahmed Rashid 