# Imtiaz Sheikh

Imtiaz Sheikh is a British Ugandan Field hockey player of Indian ancestry. Sheikh's hockey career has spanned over 65 years, competing in; high calibre hockey clubs and international hockey. Taking part in World Cup, European Championships, managing England hockey and coaching at all levels.

## Early Life

Imtiaz Sheikh was born in Uganda, Mbale on 28th February 1947. His father born in Amritsar, India, a wealthy business-man and Politician. Sheikh's interest in sport initially began with Tennis, he was Uganda Junior and Open Singles Champion.
Sheikh started playing hockey at the age of 12; his natural ability, talent and passion was displayed at this young age. He attended Mbale Senior Secondary School. At the age of 16, he became the youngest player to join the Uganda Hockey Squad.
Imtiaz Sheikh moved to London in 1969 to attend University. However, after Idi Amin's, expulsion of Asians in 1972, Sheikh and his family, were forced to leave Uganda and move to the UK permanently.

## Career

Imtiaz Sheikh began his sporting career, becoming the singles club tennis champion with South Croydon, South Hampstead Tennis Club and Wickham Sports Club.
Once in the UK Sheikh settled in London, joined Hendon Hockey Club from 1972-74. From 1977, Sheikh's involvement became extensive in English field hockey, taking part in The Men's National Inter League Championship which brought together the winners of their respective regional leagues. Sheikh joined Southgate Hockey Club, the championship (held in September 1978) and was won by Southgate.
Imtiaz Sheikh, joined Blackheath Hockey Club and became the Captain, excelling and became the Winners of the National Indoor Championships in 1975.
Competing at the National Indoor Championships, at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, which was televised by the BBC. Here, competing for the Benson and Hedges Championship Cup 1977, he won Gold and was awarded 'Man of the Tournament', scoring 4 of the 6 goals. He was the last player to achieve such an award.
Sheikh won several County Championships for Middlesex County, winning the highest number of caps whilst playing for Middlesex County.
Throughout the years Imtiaz Sheikh has played for various top clubs; Slough; winning the Men's Championship in 1987, in the Men's England Hockey League, Indian Gymkhana and Lusitanians.

## England Hockey

Imtiaz Sheikh continued his hockey career to England Masters, representing England at various international tournaments, sanctioned by WGMA. Including Masters World and European Championships. Winning 4 World Cups and 4 European Championships. At Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, in the Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018, Imtiaz Sheikh won the award for Leading Goal-scorer.
Sheikh, competing in World Masters Hockey, Cape Town in October 2024, won the World Cup.
Sheikh was awarded the Presidents Award; for outstanding performance and service provided for the enhancement of Masters hockey, which was awarded by the World Grand Masters Association.

## Coaching Career

Imtiaz Sheikh is a Level 2 qualified Hockey Coach and has coached many Universities, including Oxford University, Imperial and Kings College London. He also was the first team coach for Tunbridge Wells Ladies.

## Present

Imtiaz Sheikh is currently the England Hockey Lead and Manager for the Current Men's Squad, Over 65s, for Masters England Hockey.
Sheikh coaches, umpires and plays for Bromley & Beckenham Hockey Club.

## Personal Life

Imtiaz Sheikh married Zahida, in 1978, and have two children, twins, Tahir and Tahira. He lives in Surrey, England.