Sardar Ahmed Khan, the polo legend of Northern Pakistan, though discreetly restrained his polo pony, yet inauspiciously failed to rein in the disloyal horse—‘sorkhon istor’—Syar’s metaphor for ‘death’ versified in one of his poems. He passed away on January 27, 2013 of cardiac arrest aged 59. May Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace! Amen! His death left his family, relatives, friends and fans greatly sad and created an irreparable void in the field of polo. He will be sorely missed for long time to come.

Born to the distinguished Mohd Baig tribe, SA Khan inherited refined manners, passion for indigenous culture and taste for traditional sports i.e. free style polo and falconry, which he assiduously promoted in his life time. His grandfather, being close to Chitral's ruling family, owned extensive landed property, which reinforced by prolong socio-cultural influence, grossly determined the family’s role as a key decision-maker in the local affairs.

Free style polo minus SA Khan would be inconceivable. Through incredible skill reinforced by his indomitable spirit, he credited Chitral polo team with a range of victories in mega events like Shandur Polo and District Polo Tournament. “He was an avid and efficient game deviser who staged effective comeback in critical situation”, commented Subedar Ayaz, the coach of Chitral Polo Association (CPA).

He maintained cool and calculated discipline during matches and never lost temper. He regarded sport nothing more than sport. “Victories did not leave him far too happy, nor defeat delivered him noticeable sadness”, recalled Nasir Ahmed, a friend from Chitral town. “He was a well-grounded defender”, said Muhammad Azam, a teammate, “who rarely missed the ball close to goalpost. This obviously requires steely nerves and strenuous efforts”, he added. He was a first-rate backhand hitter of the ball. In acknowledgement of his gifted talents, friends used to call him ‘Sardar Ustad’—a synonym to ‘skillful coach or mentor’. His know-how about horse species, their qualities and strength; grasp on game psychology; assessment of the opposite camp; and evaluation of own teammates placed him head and shoulder above the rest of the players. Hence no game plan would be finalized without consulting him.

As a peacemaker he resolved a diverse array of disputes at grassroots without a modicum of favoritism. This resulted in fostering good will, bolstered communal harmony, helped avert cumbersome/costly court procedures and saved people’s hard-earned cash. “His authority as a conciliator was widely recognized in village Kosht and beyond”, reminisced Yaqub Masroof, a poet and social worker from the village. “By dint of adequate knowledge regarding social and cultural intricacies, he was well-placed in dispensing informed justice whilst staying the course of fair-play”, he further elaborated. Government institutions honored his mandate as a formal conciliator. Villagers reposed trust in the way he settled their problems. When somebody used to report a case in police, the question would be: “whether or not the matter was shared with village committee led by SA Khan?” If the answer would be unconvincing, the litigant would be promptly advised to do so. 

By profession, he was a teacher; a kind-hearted one having friendly disposition towards his students and staff. “His valuable inter personal qualities earned him respect amongst teachers and students” said Amanullah, a staff member. He enjoyed good rapport with friends and was reputed for generous hospitality that he extended to all without being influenced by status or whatsoever. “When friends asked for his best-loved polo horse, he used to lend it without a moment’s hesitation. For a keen polo player, from Chitral’s standard at least, there could not be an ultimate show of magnanimity than this”, Hakim Sarwar, a fellow player from village Booni, passed judgment.

In the wake of SA Khan’s death, condolence references took place across Chitral and Gilgit. A reference held at Government Degree College Booni, district Chitral, on March 26, 2013, was attended by people from different walks of life including officials, polo players, poets, writers, fans and students. The participants paid rich tribute to their legendary polo star and highlighted different aspects of his life. Similar condolence reference held in Gilgit under the aegis of GB-GLT Polo Association was attended by government officials, polo players, president/members of Gilgit-Baltistan Polo Association. They, too, paid homage to the departed soul and highly regarded his polo skills and conveyed their heart-felt condolence to the bereaved family.

Though SA Khan’s soul has dissolved into the ocean of eternity, he will be long remembered for his generosity, kindness, humanitarianism, hospitality, conciliation and sportsman spirit.