India Olympic star Shahid dies aged 56
 

NEW DELHI: Hockey star Mohammed Shahid, who saw India to a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1980, died Wednesday, his family said.

The 56-year-old, who had been battling a severe liver ailment and kidney disease, died in a hospital on the outskirts of New Delhi after being admitted there last month.

The former captain was rated as one of the best dribblers on the hockey field, and formed a formidable forward line with striking partner Zafar Iqbal.

But the sportsman led a low-key life after his retirement as he retreated to the **rth Indian city of Varanasi -- his birthplace -- while working for Indian Railways.

Shahid, who played in three Olympics -- 1980, 1984 and 1988 -- saw the national side take its first gold medal in the sport since 1964.

Tributes poured in on social media, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"In the untimely & unfortunate demise of Mohammed Shahid, India has lost a talented sportsman who played with immense passion & vigour," Modi wrote on Twitter.

"We tried our level best to save Mohammed Shahid but sadly, neither our help **r prayers were e**ugh to save him. Tributes to him. RIP," he added.


Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar also offered condolences.
"A legend leaves us. Watching Mohammed Shahid´s magic with the hockey stick was memorable. May his soul rest in peace," Tendulkar tweeted.



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