Ex-hockey captain Mohammad Shahid’s condition critical

Mohammad Shahid, former Olympic medallist and hockey legend, is reported to be in critical condition at a private hospital in Gurgaon.

The 56-year-old, battling a severe liver condition, has been in intensive care unit at Medanta - the Medicity for the last three weeks.

“Shahid’s condition is critical. He is suffering from serious liver disease and his creatinine and bilirubin are much higher than the acceptable levels, despite high dosages. The kidney’s functioning is also compromised, preventing a liver transplant,” a senior official at Medanta - the Medicity said, on condition of anonymity.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vijay Goel, visited Shahid on Wednesday.

Read more: India’s former hockey captain Mohammad Shahid, admitted for a possible liver transplant

Shahid complained of stomachache in Varanasi last month, after which he was rushed to Sir Sunder Lal Hospital. On June 29, he was shifted from Varanasi to Gurgaon.

Officials at Medanta said Shahid developed jaundice due to low immunity, and this complicated his treatment.

“My father’s (Shahid) condition improved earlier, but over the past two days it has declined considerably. His Blood Pressure is extremely low. There is acute appetite loss and he is being fed through nasogastric intubation,” said his 26-year-old son Mohammad Saif, who is a student at Varanasi’s DAV College.

Read more: Dhanraj Pillay appeals to PM for ex-hockey captain Shahid’s treatment

Known for his dribbling skills, Shahid is considered one of India’s great hockey players. He was part of the Indian team that won a gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He was also a part of the national team that won a silver medal in the Delhi Asiad in 1982, and bronze in the Seoul Asiad in 1986.

He was conferred the Arjuna Award in 1981 and the Padma Shri in 1986. He has been working at the Diesel Loco Works factory in Varanasi since 1996.

Last month, union sports minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced a grant of R 10 lakh for Shahid. The Indian Railways also announced they would pay for his medical expenses.