Days after ailing Pakistani hockey legend Mansoor Khan requested the Indian government to grant a visa on medical grounds he has been offered a free heart surgery by a leading group of hospitals in India. The Times of India reported that the 49-year-old goalkeeper who was in need for a heart transplant made a plea to the Indian government to grant him a visa on medical grounds. Although the government is yet to give the go-ahead, Fortis Group of Hospitals has offered to register him for the transplant, assuring that the treatment would be free of cost. As of now, Ahmed is being treated at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi.

The sportsman was diagnosed to be suffering from complications from a pacemaker and stents implanted before. Dr. S Narayani, zonal director, Fortis, Mumbai spoke to Mumbai Mirror saying that Ahmed will be registered for a heart transplant in Mumbai and Chennai. Once the government gives him the clearance, they hospital will assess whether Ahmed will be able to travel to India.

However, the offer was made despite the hockey star clarifying that he was not looking for financial assistance. His only request to the Indian government was for a visa on medical grounds and is quite hopeful of a positive response.

Hockey players from both sides of the border, who had played with Ahmed, have expressed concerns about the sportsman’s waning health. Former Indian hockey captain V Baskaran has urged everyone concerned to act fast. Ahmed too has been overwhelmed by the immense love and support he has received from Indians. But once the visa is granted, he may have to endure a lot wait since foreign nations are not prioritised on an organ donation list. Only if there is no other Indian national waiting in the donor list will there be any chance for Ahmed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 28, 2018 04:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).