09.04.1962–28.11.2025

Imran Ahmed Khan Sherwani, one of the most iconic figures in the history of British hockey, passed away on Friday 28 November 2025, aged just 63. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to parents Asrar and June Sherwani, Imran’s journey from local club hockey to Olympic glory is a story of perseverance, talent and humility.

Imran’s international career spanned from 1983 to 1988, during which he earned 49 caps for England and 45 for Great Britain (GB) – a total of 94 combined caps. His England debut came against Scotland on 15 July 1983 in the Home Countries Championship, held at the National Sports Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The result was a 3–1 win for England. Imran burst onto the international scene in remarkable style, scoring eight goals in his first eight matches for England. In December of that year he made his GB debut during the Ten Nations Tournament in Hong Kong, an Olympic-qualifying competition which marked the golden jubilee of the Hong Kong hockey association. Imran’s first GB match came against Pakistan where, continuing his prolific form for England, he scored in a 3–6 loss.

His defining moment came at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, where he scored two goals in the final as GB defeated West Germany 3–1 to win gold. That victory ended a 68-year wait for Olympic glory, the last Olympic hockey gold medal for GB was at the London Games in 1920. Memorably, GB’s success in Seoul produced one of the most famous lines in British sporting folklore when commentator Barry Davies briefly threw impartiality out of the window with his line of, “Where were the Germans? … but frankly, who cares!?”

Barry Davies on Seoul 1988: ‘Where were the Germans?’ – BBC Sport

 

 

 

Before the Olympic triumph, Imran overcame significant setbacks, including four knee operations that forced him to miss the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His resilience paid off as he helped England secure its first-ever podium finish at the Hockey World Cup in London in 1986, winning silver, followed by another silver at the 1987 European Nations Championships in Moscow.

Imran recalled his 1986 World Cup exploits in a 2016 interview with The News, a leading Pakistani newspaper:

“I had a very good World Cup. Apart from making quite a few assists, I also scored vital goals: against Holland (the only goal of the match) and in the 2–1 victory over Argentina. Australian coach [Richard] Agiss flattered me, ‘You are the most dangerous forward of your team’. Our success story continued. Next year […] we made it to the final of the Euro Nations in ‘87; [we] lost to Holland only on penalty strokes.”

Agiss was clearly not alone in his assessment. Imran’s skill, speed and creativity on the left flank earned him the Hockey Writers’ Club Player of the Year award for the 1986/87 season.

 

 

Imran’s love for hockey was deeply rooted in his family history. His father Asrar had represented Pakistan and played alongside Pakistani greats like Anwaar Ahmed Khan before moving to the UK as a 19-year-old. Asrar’s love of hockey was carried into the land of his adoption and inspired his son.

Starting at North Stafford Hockey Club and playing men’s hockey at just 11 years old, Imran quickly rose through the ranks. He captained Staffordshire’s Under 19 team and represented the Midland Under 18s alongside future GB teammate and fellow Olympic gold medallist Robert Clift. Imran swiftly progressed to the England’s Under 18 and Under 21 squads. He later played for Stourport Hockey Club to advance his international career.

 

 

Away from the pitch, Imran led a life marked by service and dedication. He worked as a policeman before transitioning to become a newsagent as his national team training commitments intensified. He would later become an independent financial adviser. Imran also gave back to the sport as Director of Hockey at Denstone College and through coaching roles. Following international retirement, Imran joined Leek Hockey Club where he is remembered as one of their greatest and most influential players. As the Club’s own obituary recounts, Imran joined Leek in 1996:

“[He] was the catalyst for an unprecedented period of success, leading Leek from a provincial Midlands lower league club to National League status. Whilst it would seem inconceivable to many that his greatest achievement wasn’t the two goals scored to win gold for Great Britain in the 1988 Olympic Final, Imran often insisted the 6–2 win against Old Georgians securing Leek promotion to the National League at Belle Vue in 2003 was his proudest moment. The privileged few sharing the ‘beers and tears’ in the Manchester dressing room that day wouldn’t argue his point.”

In December 2019, Imran was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 57. He faced this challenge with courage, publicly sharing his diagnosis in 2021 to raise awareness. His former teammate Steve Batchelor led a London Marathon team in his honour, raising over £45,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. England Hockey paid tribute with the “Orange for Imran” campaign in 2022, and the men’s national team wore the charity’s logo on their shirts.

 

 

Tributes

Norman Hughes, Imran’s former England and GB teammate and captain, said:

“Of course, he is remembered most of all for his demolition of the Germans in the Seoul Olympic gold medal game. But those who knew Imi will remember a guy who showed respect, loyalty and always covered your back. You could not ask for a better teammate or person. Supporting Imi throughout his career has been his rock, Louise. Lucky man – she gave him the space to shine and achieve his dreams.”

Richard Leman, Imran’s former England and GB teammate, said:

“Imran was a remarkable person both on and off the field. While we admired his skill, strength on the ball and goal scoring ability, it was the person he was away from the game that truly stood out. His humility, kindness and caring nature shone through in everything he did. On the team bus, he embodied a calm, tidy and highly focused approach to every match—giving everyone confidence that he was prepared for the challenge and would never let the team down. At the highest level of competition, those qualities mean everything and he lived them every day. He will be deeply missed by all his teammates, at every level he played, and our thoughts are with Louise and his entire family at this difficult time.”

Rob Clift, Imran’s former England, GB and Midlands teammate, said:

“It was clear from the first time I played alongside Imran that he was a very special player. He was incredibly skilful and could make defenders look silly at times. I was so fortunate to play alongside him from Midlands U18s through to the Olympic Games and always said that my job was easy, just give the ball to Immy. He was a great team man too, always positive, caring and loyal. I’ll never forget us getting back to our room in the Olympic village after the final and just grinning at each other, wondering how we’d managed to come so far together. It has been an honour to be his teammate and friend and we’ll all miss him terribly.”

England Hockey CEO and The Hockey Museum Trustee Rich Beer paid tribute:

“Imran Sherwani will forever be remembered as one of the true icons of England and Great Britain Hockey. His talent, leadership and humility inspired generations of players and fans alike. Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Imran was a remarkable person whose kindness and passion enriched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

EuroHockey President Marcos Hofmann added:

“My generation grew up with great players from GB and England like Imran. He was one of the very best and his performance at the final of Seoul ‘88 will go down in history as one of those iconic moments which transcends our sport’s barriers and is part of the wider Olympic folklore.”

Imran is remembered not only for his sporting achievements but for his humility, loyalty, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife Louise and their three sons, Aaron, Zac and Josh. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players and fans.