The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is sad to report that Mohammed Shahid, one of the most famous names in Indian hockey and central figure of the India team that won gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, has passed away at the age of 56.

Shahid’s abilities as a forward during the 1980s marked him out as an exceptional talent and he will go down in history as one of the true greats of the game.

Shahid burst onto the international hockey scene in 1979 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old at the Junior World Cup. However, it was during an international four-nation tournament in Malaysia where he really came to prominence, producing a series of stunning performances to earn rave reviews from Vasudev Baskaran, the man who captained India to their gold medal success at the 1980 Olympics.

Shahid's style of play was based on speed and an ability to dribble the ball with rare wizardry, and it was this aspect of his game which won him fans across India. As well as captaining India during the 1985-86 season, he also received the Arjuna Award, which recognises outstanding sporting achievements, in 1981 as well as being honoured with the Padma Shri – India’s fourth highest civilian award - in 1986.

Speaking to The Times of India, Sreejesh said: "I am speechless. When we visited him, the situation was very critical. It's a great loss for Indian hockey. Shahid was a living legend who brought hockey to a different level."

FIH President Leandro Negre said: “The world of hockey has lost a true superstar. Mohammed Shahid was a remarkable player who was loved by millions in India and admired by hockey fans all around the world. The FIH would like to offer its sincere condolences to his wife Parveen Shahid and twin children Mohammad Saif and Heena Shahid at this extremely difficult time.”

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