Mohammad Shahid hospitalised; recovering

Mohammad Shahid is a former field hockey player who played for India.

He is specially known for his dribbling skills and his fast-push which was as hard as a hit.

Shahid was selected for Indian team in 1979 when they toured Kuala Lumpur.

His style of playing is considered as an invaluable contribution in the popularisation of the sport.

In the 1980 Champions Trophy tournament in Karachi, Shahid was declared as the 'Best Forward of the Tournament.'

Mohammad Shahid captained India's hockey team during 1985-86.

He was honoured with the highest award in sports, the Arjuna Award, in 1980-81.

The Government of India also awarded him the Padma Shri in 1986 for his contribution to Indian hockey.

Mohammad Shahid has served Indian Railways for more than 18 years and now only has couple of years left before he retires.

But he has not been granted any promotion in the entire span of his service. He was promoted to senior sports officer in 2006 but the promotion was withdrawn in 2007 as it flouted the government policy.

Mohammad Shahid was flown in to Delhi from Varanasi after his condition worsened due to liver and kidney problems.

He underwent surgery at a Gurgaon hospital and is said to be recovering slowly.

The 56 year old started speaking to his family after the surgery today.

His former team-mate and friend Zaqar Iqbal was one of the first people to interact with him.

Former hockey player Mohammad Shahid died after his long battle with kidney and liver condition. He was 56.

Shahid was admitted to SSL Hospital in Banaras on June 29.

He was later shifted to Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon for surgery. The doctors said he was stable but his condition could worsen.

His death is one of the worst blows to Indian hockey.