The Golden Era of Indian hockey, many believe, ended in the 1980s, with India's last Olympic gold coming in the Moscow. And many consider Mohammad Shahid, star of that side, to be one of India's greatest ever hockey players.

He was a part of India's last Olympic gold medal winning team. He was also a member of the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games squad which won silver and bronze respectively.

And now he is fighting for his life in a hospital in the nation's capital.

The 56-year-old former forward was admitted to Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon after a bout of jaundice and dengue made his condition worse. He was airlifted on Tuesday evening from Varanasi.

Indian hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide assistance for the treatment of former national captain Mohammad Shahid.

Dhanraj Pillay said:

"Shahid bhai is a legend, an icon, someone who made India proud internationally. Indian hockey was known across the world because of players like him. As a person and as a player, he lifted the Tricolour high with pride in being an Indian
"It is pity that today not even a single senior political leader has bothered to even inquire about his condition even though he has been in the Intensive Care Unit for two days now"
"I appeal to our honourable Prime Minister, sports minister, all sports associations and everyone else to please take note of the Shahid bhai's condition and provide all help possible. We are also trying to mobilise all support."

Indian Railways, for whom Shahid played in the National Competitions said they are taking full care of the medical expenses of the former hockey player.

"The formalities and paperwork are complete. Mr Shahid's full treatment will be taken care by Indian Railways," a senior source in RSPB told PTI.

While it is great to see the support on social media and from the railways ministry, the matter has barely caused a flutter on mainstream media, which is very disappointing!

With PTI inputs (featured image: Twitter)