and generals and many former mujahideen foes as a courageous and distinguished soldier who showed commitment and gallantry in the battlefield. He has received over fifty-two gallantry medals from the Afghan government. During his time as the Minister of National Security (Afghanistan) and later as the Minister of Counter Narcotics (Afghanistan), Khodaidad was recognised by his colleagues as an Afghan patriot who consistently put aside ethnic differences as well encouraging national unity amongst ordinary Afghans. Personal life Although pursuing a military and political life, Khodaidad has always maintained his greatest hobbies of playing polo and horse riding. While training at the NDA, he received a Blue and a blazer — being the highest prizes at riding horses and playing polo — from the academy in 1976. He also received a Blue prize from the IMA in 1977. In his first term at the NDA he also became the academy champion in shot put. Khodaidad can speak over six languages which includes Dari, Pushto, Russian, Hindi, Urdu and English. Khodaidad is married to a teacher, and has two sons and four daughters. His children were educated in London and are in highly established, professional jobs. See also List of Hazara people Notes References Lt Gen Khudaidad General Khodaidad biography Living people 1955 births Hazara politicians Frunze Military Academy alumni Afghan military personnel Government ministers of Afghanistan Hazara military personnel Afghan military officers