Pakistan hockey goalie seeks India's help in heart transplant

For hockey fans, the name Mansoor Ahmed is not unfamiliar. The former goalkeeper of the Pakistan hockey team has represented Pakistan in over 300 matches and have stood tall in the face of India's attack. But now, years later, the situation is a little different. Mansoor Ahmed has been suffering from complications stemming from a pacemaker and stents implanted in his heart. But it looks like when it comes to the matter of hearts, the Pakistan star has not hesitated to reach out to his Indian neighbours. He said to the AFP, "I may have broken a lot of Indian hearts on the field of play by beating India in the Indira Gandhi Cup (1989) and in other events but that was sport. Now I need a heart transplant in India and for that I need support from the Indian government." Due to the problems with his pacemaker, Mansoor Ahmed now requires a heart transplant. He has appealed to the Government of India and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to grant him a medical visa. While speaking of the medical condition, a family member said, "The pacemaker and stents that were implanted in his heart have stopped functioning and now he needs a heart transplant, which can be possible only in India." In a poignant turn of events, the hockey legend who has been a guide for Indian stars like Dhanraj Pillay reached out to Sushma Swaraj to help ensuring a smooth passing of his medical visa application as this is his only shot at surviving. He said, "I need the support of the Indian government, especially from Sushma Swaraj. I request her to process my visa application as soon as possible. I also wish to meet former Indian players like Dhanraj Pillay, who has played under my coaching when he came to play the Pakistan league. I request you all to give me your heart." Over the years, the figure of Mansoor Ahmed has stood like a pillar as a rival and as a coach. It is now up to India, specifically Sushma Swaraj to show how big a heart she has.