Former hockey Olympian Naveed Alam died of blood cancer. He was 47.
Naveed, a member of the 1994 World Cup winning team, who was recently diagnosed with blood cancer, underwent chemotherapy in Lahore yesterday, after which his condition deteriorated. He was immediately moved to a hospital where he passed away, his daughter said.
His family said earlier this month that he was feeling unwell for several days and went to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital where he was diagnosed with blood cancer.
Naveed had appealed to the federal and provincial government to take note and provide necessary aid for his treatment, which was estimated to cost four million rupees.
Members of the Olympian Forum, in which the 47-year-old was an active member, were arranging funds. Later, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar had announced that the expense of his treatment would be borne by the Punjab government.
The 1996 Summer Olympics participant coached the teams of Pakistan, China and Bangladesh.
In a statement, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said funeral prayers for Alam will be offered tonight (Tuesday) at 10pm at Company Bagh in Sheikhupura.
PHF Secretary-General Asif Bajwa, Manzoor Junior, Asif Naz and Khawaja Junaid will attend the funeral prayers, PHF’s statement read.
