PETALING JAYA: Sarjit Singh was once a tough figure on the hockey pitch before going on to guide the national team from the sidelines, but the former Malaysia captain and coach is now confined to a hospital bed as he battles a serious illness.
The 62-year-old is currently receiving treatment at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in Cheras after being admitted on Sunday.
Sarjit had earlier complained of chest pains and was admitted to a hospital in Batu Pahat, Johor, before being transferred to a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
The former national coach admitted that the past eight to nine days had been extremely difficult, but said the support and prayers he received had lifted his spirits.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol, accompanied by National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, visited Sarjit on Tuesday (July 14) and presented him with a contribution.
"I'm feeling better. Yesterday and today have been much better, but the first six to eight days were hell.
"It's been a good turnaround. Maybe a lot of people have been praying for me, and I'm grateful for that. For the past eight or nine days, I was confined to bed, but at least now I can see clearly.
"I want to thank everyone who has been praying for me. What I went through was hell, but the last two days have been much better," said an emotional Sarjit, who was touched by the support he had received.
The visit also gave the ministry and Yakeb a better understanding of Sarjit's condition and the support he and his family may need.
"We at the ministry and Yakeb always look after the welfare of our former athletes to ensure they are not neglected. Sarjit's condition is okay, but he still needs to undergo treatment.
"He told us that when he first fell ill, he could not move or speak, but his condition has improved after he was given antibiotics," said Mordi.
Sarjit will undergo another medical test to determine the cause of his illness.
Sarjit is one of the biggest names in Malaysian hockey history, having represented the country at two Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984 and Barcelona in 1992. He also captained the national team.
After calling time on his playing career, Sarjit continued to contribute to Malaysian hockey as a coach, including leading the national team and helping develop the next generation of players.
