Pakistan's much decorated hockey captain Mansoor Ahmed of the 1990s is looking for a heart in India. He is ravaged by heart disease and is in immediate need of a heart transplant after complications related to pacemaker and stent implants arose. He believes that despite the estrangement between the two nations, India will still provide the balm.
“I underwent surgery around 4-5 years ago when I developed a weak heart,” Ahmed, 49, said. “But the problem existed. Around last month the condition worsened and the doctors said that a transplant was the only solution now.” Being treated at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi, Ahmed’s case has been referred to clinics in California in the US and India.
“We’ve sent them my reports and India is the better option given their low costs and high success rates,” Ahmed said. “I am looking to India for help, but please remember, I’m not seeking any financial aid. India has a robust and efficient medical system and I’m only appealing for them to grant me the visa when the need arises,” Ahmed said.
Pakistani nationals are allowed medical visa despite the strained relations between the two governments. Ahmed added that he had been sanctioned $100,000 by Shahbaz Sharif, chief minister of Punjab and his expenses are being borne by the Shahid Afridi Foundation. With three Olympics under his belt, multiple Champions Trophy appearances and a World Cup gold to boot, Ahmed gained legendary status in the subcontinent’s hockey circles. It was the heyday of Pakistan hockey and it was a time when Indian hockey lovers would cheer for Pakistan playing against any other rival, as one of their own. It is that same sentiment, Mansoor Ahmed hopes to evoke today.
