Tributes and condolence messages poured in on Wednesday following the death of former hockey star Mohammed Shahid at the age of 56.
From cricketers to politicians, several took to Twitter to pay their last respects to the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medallist.
A legend leaves us. Watching Mohammed Shahid’s magic with the hockey stick was memorable. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/QhyltJgpYp
– sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 20, 2016
#TeamIndia skipper @imVkohli expresses grief over the untimely loss of @TheHockeyIndia legend Mohammed Shahidhttps://t.co/BknZyfOgPh
– BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2016
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to batting great Virender Sehwag condoled the death of the hockey great.
Shahid was battling serious liver problems at a private hospital in Gurgaon. He was on the ventilator and died at 10:45 a.m on Wednesday. His body will be flown back to Varanasi, where it will be buried.
His liver and kidney ailment got aggravated after a bout of jaundice earlier this year.
Over the last few days, Shahid’s condition had deteriorated. The sports ministry and Shahid’s employers, the Railways, were taking care of all his medical expenses. On Tuesday night, he slipped into coma.
In the untimely & unfortunate demise of Mohammed Shahid, India has lost a talented sportsman who played with immense passion & vigour.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2016
We tried our level best to save Mohammed Shahid but sadly, neither our help nor prayers were enough to save him. Tributes to him. RIP.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2016
The Varanasi-based former player was one of India’s best dribblers and helped the country win a gold at the 1980 Games, the last time India won a hockey medal at the Olympics.
In Mohammad Shahid, we have lost one of the legends of world hockey.
Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/KWWbq6nFwy
– Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 20, 2016
Shahid was rushed to a Gurgaon hospital in June end when his condition turned serious. He complained of stomach ache due to liver complications.
My heart goes out to family of Hocky Wizrd Md Shahid,no more wid us.Dribble champ will continue inspirg genratns RIP pic.twitter.com/Lpe4wVRU6i
– Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) July 20, 2016
A sports officer with the Railways, Shahid was awarded the Padma Shri in 1986.
Saddened to hear about the passing of great hockey player Mohd Shahid. One of India’s greatest sportsmen. Condolences to his family, friends
– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 20, 2016
Shahid, known for his sizzling runs and ball control, formed a formidable pair with Zafar Iqbal. They helped India win a silver in 1982 and bronze at the 1986 Asian Games.
Very sad to hear about the demise of hockey legend Mohammad Shahid. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/MkLt0YouVq
– Manoj Tiwary (@tiwarymanoj) July 20, 2016
