Indian hockey wizard of the 80s Mohammed Shahid dies
Mohammed Shahid, one of India's greatest names in hockey and part of that last Olympic medal-winning team of 1980, died today of liver and kidney failure. Indian captain PR Sreejesh and former hockey players expressed their regret at the passing of the legendary forward and Arjuna awardee.
Shahid was renowned for his dribbling skills when he wore the India jersey through an illustrious career that began just a year before that epochal Olympics in 1980. He was part of the team that won India's last Olympic hockey medal at Moscow. That same year, Shahid also received the Best Forward player award at the Champions trophy. He was bestowed with the Arjuna award in 1981 and also the Padma Shri in 1986.
Shahid formed one head of the destructive attacking duo with Zafar Iqbal as they terrorized opponent teams through the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games where India bagged medals. Iqbal, on hearing the news, said "I am deeply saddened, I have lost one of my closest comrades. We played together for seven years. His contributions to the game are immeasurable," reported ToI.
India's goalkeeper and captain for the Rio Olympics PR Sreejesh, who had visited the ailing Shahid last week, also expressed his condolences saying, "I am speechless. When we visited him, the situation was very critical. It's a great loss for Indian hockey. Shahid was a living legend who brought hockey to a different level”.
Shahid's former Olympic team-mate MM Somaya was shocked on hearing the news. "I have been struggling to digest the news of Shahid. Millions who followed him in the 80s have a special spot for him," Somaya, who played three Olympics with Shahid, said. "Shahid and Zafar were a treat to watch. They were skillful and fast down the left. Zafar's breakneck pace and Shahid's dribble and guile gave Indian fans of that era a treasure trove of memories," he added.
Shahid had also captained the Indian team during 1985-86 as Indian hockey struggled to hold its place against the newly increasing popularity of cricket after India's 1983 World Cup win. Since retiring from the hockey field, he had been working with Indian Railways. Shahid is survived by his wife and two children.
0
0
0
0
0
0
Comments
Sign up or log in to your account to leave comments and reactions
0 Comments