Pakistan Mourns the Passing of Legendary Athlete Malik Muhammad Younis at 76

KARACHI: Malik Muhammad Younis, a trailblazing middle-distance runner and iconic figure in Pakistani athletics, passed away on Tuesday at age 77 following a heart attack, as confirmed by his family and the Athletics Federation of Pakistan.

Younis, celebrated for his endurance and speed, held national records for nearly five decades and represented Pakistan in the 800m and 1500m events at multiple international competitions in the 1970s. His achievements include 56 gold medals in Pakistan and 27 golds internationally, with highlights like his gold at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran and a double podium finish at the 1973 Asian Track & Field Championships in Manila.

His funeral will take place on Monday in Turap, his hometown in Attock District. Younis’ son, Bilal Ahmed, shared that he was feeling well earlier but passed away peacefully at home after seeking medical attention for unease earlier that evening.

The Athletics Federation of Pakistan paid tribute to Younis, stating, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Captain (Retired) Malik Younis leaves an indelible legacy in Pakistan’s athletic history. Our thoughts are with his family during this sorrowful time.”

Younis’ national record in the 1500m, set in Cologne, Germany, in 1970, and records in the 3000m (8:05.65) and 5000m (14:08.4), remain unbroken. He represented Pakistan at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, where a misregistration led him to compete in the 800m instead of his favoured 1500m, setting a new national record despite the setback.

In 1979, a motorcycle accident cut short his competitive career, but he continued to inspire generations of athletes. Recognised for his contributions, he received the Pride of Performance award in 1991. His passing marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in Pakistani athletics.

Written by: Shah Behram Iftikhar (Punjab University)