Islamabad, April 23: Pakistan's hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed, is now struggling with multiple heart issues, has sought the Indian visa for his medical treatment.

Ahmed, 49, is known for his heroic stint in the Pakistani hockey team between 1986 to 2000. He has been part of the national side in three Olympics and various other major events, including the 1994 Hockey World Cup in Sydney where Pakistan emerged victorious in the final against Netherlands.

Mansoor, while recalling the day when he broke hearts of Indian fans after scoring against India at the Indira Gandhi Cup (1989), said today he needs the support of Indian people and the government.

"Now I need a heart transplant in India and for that I need support from the Indian government," he added.

Ties between India and Pakistan have deteriorated post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, perpetrated by militants linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, India has continued to provide medical visas to Pakistani patients on humanitarian grounds.

"Humanity is paramount and I too would be obliged if I get a visa and other help in India," Ahmed said, while speaking to AFP.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has drawn support from the kin of patients on the other side of border for her liberal approach towards the grant of medical visas. Responding to her generous approach, one of the beneficiaries, Hijaaba Asif, had said last year, "We wish if Sushma Swaraj ji was our prime minister."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2018 10:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).