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India’s first Olympic swimmer Shamsher dies in Guntur
The country’s first Olympic swimmer Shamsher Khan passed away near Repalle in Guntur district on Sunday, following prolonged illness. He was 87 and is survived by three daughters and two sons.
Vijayawada: The country’s first Olympic swimmer Shamsher Khan passed away near Repalle in Guntur district on Sunday, following prolonged illness. He was 87 and is survived by three daughters and two sons.
Khan, who had represented India in 1956 Melbourne Olympics, breathed his last at his house in Islampur, a small village near Repalle.
According to family members, Khan, who was ailing for some time, complained of chest pain but died before he could be taken to hospital.
The last rites will be performed on Monday.
A forgotten sports hero, he was the first swimmer to represent India in Olympics. He narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth in 200 meter butterfly and breaststroke events in Melbourne Games.
Khan, who created national record in the butterfly event, learnt swimming after joining the Army in 1946. He took part in the 1962 war against China and the 1971 war against Pakistan. After serving for 24 years, he retired in 1973 as subedar (JCO). He lived his last years in poverty.
Khan had suffered stroke in 2010 but was finding it difficult to meet expenses even for his medication. He lamented on many occasions that the government neither recognised his contribution nor provided any financial assistance.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Leader of Opposition Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy expressed grief over death of Shamsher Khan and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family
