Former Olympic footballer and ex-national football coach Syed Shahid Hakim tested positive for Covid-19 and the 81-year-old is quarantined in a Hyderabad hotel after failing to find a bed in the military hospital. He had also tried to get himself admitted in a government hospital, but said the facilities were ‘not upto the mark’.
Hakim, who was part of India’s 1960 Rome Olympic football team that finished sixth, told media that despite dedicating his entire life to the sport, he has not received any help from the government.
“I tested positive a couple of days back after breathing problems and was taken to a government facility where things were not upto the mark. In the military hospital, no bed was available. My nephew lodged me in a private hotel here in Hyderabad and I am feeling better now,” Hakim said.
“I have not received any help from any corner as of now. My sister from America is taking care of my medical expenses. It is upto the government of India that they should take care of at least their Olympians,” he said.
The former footballer said he had no pension to draw on.