John Permal was once Pakistan’s fastest man.
John Permal was born in 1946 in pre-partition Karachi. A student at St. Patrick’s, John Permal used to sprint from his home in Saddar to school every day. Later on, he attributed his achievements in sports to the encouragement he had received from school coach, Jacob Harris.
John Permal was Pakistan’s undisputed fastest man from the years 1964 to 1974 where he successfully represented the country internationally
In 1965, he finished second to a German in the National Games in Lahore but was declared as the fastest Pakistani in the competition. He retained the title in the 100-meter category till in 1973.
He represented Pakistan in Germany, in the Asian Games in the years 1966 and 1970 as well as in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970.
His son, Anthony Permal, announced his father’s passing yesterday
John Permal, the Fastest Man in #Pakistan, has passed into eternity with the Lord.
His last race has been won. May his soul rest in peace.
I love you, Dad. Thank you for you. pic.twitter.com/tjUOMXPvOB
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
John Permal had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 10 months ago
Doctors had given him a few weeks to live but he fought the disease for 10 months, according to his son’s tweets.
The doctors had diagnosed him last June and gave him 3 weeks tops. Here we are 10 months later. He is a warrior. Pushed through for almost a year.
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
Just a few days ago, his son had made a heartwarming Twitter thread on who John Permal was; a loving father, a caring husband and an all-around amazing man.
He highlighted how he enjoyed literature, music and jokes. He touched upon his father’s career after retiring from professional sports, as a travel agent in Saudi Arabia and then in Dubai.
He never earned alot, you know? In Saudi, until he was let go via Saudization in 93, he earned 3,000 riyals. When he moved to Dubai in '96, his salary at his leaving in '05 was max AED 4,000.
And in that, he raised 3 kids and supported my mom. Gave us a fantastic life.
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
While his father may not have earned a big salary, Anthony said, he gave his children and siblings an amazing life. But the man Anthony described with his tweets sounded larger than life.
He LOVED Vital Signs and Junoon. Took me for my first ever concert. It was in Dec '97 in Dubai, where VS and Junoon performed together at Al Nasr Leisureland. @RealAliAzmat @sufisal
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
He and I lived in a shared apartment in Deira for 7 years until he left and i landed on my own feet to move out. We had this tiny 14" Sony tv+vcr in one. Dad loved what he funnily called 'dishum dishum' movies 😂 old Bollywood action flicks like Agnipath. He loved @SrBachchan
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
Someone who had a good time making everyone laugh.
My dad loved cracking jokes. He had jokes for every occasion and yes they were the epitome of dad jokes. And oh boy his risque jokes would make the hardest comedian blush 😂
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
A true lover of literature.
He loved wordplay. I pride myself on my command of English linguistics and literature and I know i received it from dad. He could quote Keats, Yeats, Longfellow and his favourite, Wordsworth on a whim and on the required occasion with nary a pause.
My dad's wit is legendary.
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
He ended the thread with an adorable picture of him as a child with his father.
That's enough for now. Going to grab lunch for mum and let her rest. Will share more later. 😊 pic.twitter.com/heIMofSoPQ
— Tony Khan (@marketingdude) March 27, 2019
The entire thread was touching; a son celebrating his father’s life. For many John Permal was a seasoned serious athlete, but with Anthony’s thread, people got to know about a different side of the man who once held the title of being the country’s fastest sprinter.
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Cover Image Source: @marketingdude via Twitter.com