2 Indian hockey legends hospitalised with serious ailments

Two legends of Indian hockey -- BP Govinda and Mohammed Shahid -- have been reportedly admitted in different hospitals owing to illness. While Govinda, 65, a member of the Indian hockey team that won the 1975 Men's Hockey World Cup, has been admitted in a Bengaluru hospital, Shahid, 56, a member of the India team in the 1980 Olympics, is suffering in a Gurgaon hospital. 

Although out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for now, Govinda still has traces of blood in his lungs, reported NDTV. He was admitted to a hospital in the garden city last week after he broke his ribs following a bad fall.

Govinda appeared in three Asian Games and was also a part of the World Hockey XI in 1972.

Shahid, meanwhile, was admitted to the hospital following a severe stomach pain and was diagnosed with a chronic liver disease. A Padma Shri awardee in 1986, Shahid was known for his beautiful control of the ball and pace.

"I am saddened to know about his condition. I will visit him (on Thursday) and offer all possible support from the hockey fraternity," said Shahid's former teammate Zafar Iqbal to the Hindu. Shahid forged a formidable partnership with Iqbal during his playing career.

Both Shahid and Govinda have captained India in the past.