A biopic on Pakistan’s legendary sprinter Abdul Khaliq appears to be in the works, with Jamil Baig, owner of Karachi’s largest cinema chain, Nueplex, at the helm of production. Hamza Ali Abbasi has been confirmed to portray the role of Abdul Khaliq.
Titled “Abdul Khaliq: The Flying Bird,” the film draws its name from the moniker “Flying Bird of Asia,” a title bestowed upon Khaliq by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the 1956 Delhi Indo-Pak Meet. The biopic will trace Khaliq’s rise from his early days in the Artillery Regiment to his celebrated status on the global athletics scene.
Though a release date has yet to be announced, there is speculation that the film might hit theaters in 2025.
Who Was Abdul Khaliq?
Abdul Khaliq stood out as one of Pakistan’s pioneering sports heroes during a time when the nation was gaining prominence in various sports on the global stage. In the 1950s, Pakistan made headlines with champions like Hashim Khan, Roshan Khan, and Azam Khan dominating squash in British and US Open tournaments, and cricketers such as Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, and Abdul Hafeez Kardar revolutionizing the game with their distinctive styles. Meanwhile, the Pakistani hockey team was winning golds at the Asian Games and the Olympics.
However, Abdul Khaliq’s achievements in sprinting placed him in a unique category. Over his career, he amassed 36 international gold medals, 15 silver, and 12 bronze, not only excelling at the Asian Games but also shining in competitions in Europe, Japan, England, and Malaysia. He also represented Pakistan in the 1956 and 1960 Summer Olympics. Post-retirement, he transitioned to coaching, mentoring future sprinters from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Khaliq’s Military and Sports Legacy
Beyond his athletic prowess, Abdul Khaliq’s life was marked by his military service. Initially recruited as a sprinter by the army, he later served in the 1965 and 1971 wars. Remarkably, after becoming a prisoner of war in 1971, he refused an early release offered by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, choosing instead to stay with his fellow soldiers.
Khaliq’s story was briefly spotlighted during the release of the 2013 film “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” which depicted the famous rivalry between him and Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, particularly their race at Lahore Stadium in 1960. Despite this rivalry, both athletes shared mutual respect.
A Timely Biopic for a New Era
With Pakistan’s traditional sports such as cricket, hockey, and squash struggling in recent years, a biopic about a forgotten hero like Abdul Khaliq comes at a crucial time. Following Arshad Nadeem’s recent triumph in javelin throw, there is renewed enthusiasm for athletics in the country. The upcoming film could inspire a new generation of athletes in Pakistan.
“Abdul Khaliq: The Flying Bird” is set to begin production in January 2025, with hopes high that it will reignite interest in Pakistan’s athletic history.
