Indian football great and Olympic hero SS Hakim tests positive for COVID-19

Former Indian footballer SS Hakim has been diagnosed with coronavirus and the 81-year-old is quarantined in a Hyderabad hotel after failing to find a bed in the military hospital.Hakim, who was part of India’s 1960 Rome Olympic football team that finished sixth, told indianexpress.com that despite dedicating his entire life to the sport, he has not received any help from the government. Son of legendary football coach Syed Abdul Rahim the veteran was selected to officiate matches at the 1988 AFC Asian Cup in his refereeing career.

“I tested positive a couple of days back after breathing problems, and was taken to a government facility where things were not upto the mark. In the military hospital, no bed was available. My nephew lodged me in a private hotel here in Hyderabad and I am feeling better now,” Hakim said. "I am the only football olympian surviving in India. I have been the national coach and sports administrator. I had written to the sports minister saying that all football Olympians are dying one after another and the government is not taking care of them properly."The cricket board takes care of its old cricketers, why can’t government reach out to us? At least some pension to the families and medical expenses should be provided to us," Hakim prodded.