Hockey legend Mohammad Shahid passes away

Fifty-six-year-old hockey legend Mohammad Shahid passed away at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

Shahid, who was considered one of India’s best to have played the game, was suffering from a serious liver disease. He was admitted to the hospital in June and was in coma for the past few days, hospital sources said.

Shahid, former Indian hockey team captain, was known for his running ability, dribbling of the ball and push — which was as fast as a hard hit.

Born in Uttar Pradesh, he was part of the Indian team that won gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He was later awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.

He also represented the country in 1982 and 1986 Asian Games.