Son of an international hockey umpire, Chennai's jewel Md. Riaz established himself as either forward or centre-half in the Indian national team in the 90s. At young age he was made captain as well. Riaz was seen in action in World Cups, Asian Games and Olympics. He was part of the victorious 1998 Asian Games team, which got him the coveted Arjuna Award the same year. He also served as coach of the Senior Men's National hockey team along side Australian coach Michael Nobbs in 2012-2015.