Shankar Laxman, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper of the 1950s and 60s, passed away in Mhow on Saturday.

He was 72, and is survived by his wife, son and three daughters.

The former custodian, who represented India in three successive Olympics [Images], beginning 1956, was suffering from 'gangrene' in one of his legs. Doctors had advised amputation, family sources said, but he avoided it for some time and was undergoing alternate treatment for the ailment.

Born July 7, 1933, Laxman captained the Indian team at the 1966 Asian Games and was conferred the Padma Shri the following year.

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