Mohammad Shahid: One of India’s hockey greats of all time

Mumbai : India’s hockey legend Mohammad Shahid was known not just for his excellent dribbling skills, but also considered as one of the greatest players of all time. The 56-year-old, who was battling kidney and liver problems, breathed his last on Wednesday at a Gurgaon hospital. He was part of the Vasudevan Baskaran-led Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The legend was battling for life after a bout of jaundice, and dengue made his condition worse. Shahid, who was born in Varanasi, made his first appearance for India in 1979 at the Junior World Cup in France. Shahid made his first senior team appearance the same year in a four-nation tournament in Kuala Lumpur under Baskaran, after his inclusion in the team following his impressive performance in the Aga Khan Cup. His skills and love for the game caught the eyes of his seniors and coaches.