Askari’s career hit the crest of a wave 73 years ago. That year he picked up two medals across six events at the inaugural Asian Games in New Delhi. Since then, the number of competitors at the continent’s sporting feast has swelled from 489 to 11,935 in 2022. Eventually he quit the sport – competitively at least – 41 years ago. He said: “I achieved a gold medal at the national level, and after that, I said goodbye to the sport, but at least with a gold medal.” And of his return to the sport on a big stage, he added: “For me, I have had a love of diving since I was a teenager until today. “I have always loved diving. Nothing has changed between 1951 and now, except my performance!”
