LAHORE: A private hospital in Lahore on Monday refused to hand over the body of Pakistani Olympian and former hockey team captain Manzoor Hussain, who died of cardiac arrest, for several hours without clearing the dues of his treatment.
Hussain, popularly known as Manzoor Junior, was a part of the team that won bronze and gold in the 1976 and 1984 Olympics, respectively. He was also a part of the hockey teams that won World Cups in 1978 and 1982.
Hussain, 64, had been suffering from a heart disease and was moved to the hospital on Monday early morning after his health deteriorated. The Olympian was admitted to the Shalimar Hospital Lahore where he passed away.
“The hospital management withheld the body of the legendary player for non-payment of the medical dues for several hours. Later the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) took notice of the matter and arranged payment of PKR 500,000 (USD 2,266) to the hospital for handing over the body to his family,” an official of the Punjab government told PTI.
He said it was a huge embarrassment for everyone that a great Olympian passed away and his body was withheld by the hospital for not clearing dues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that he was deeply saddened and aggrieved at his death.
“Gold medalist Manzoor Hussain Jr was an asset to the country and his services for Pakistan hockey will remain unforgettable,” he said.
