New Delhi, Jul 20 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning expressed grief over the untimely death of hockey legend Mohammed Shahid and said that the country has lost a talented sportsman.

Paying tributes to one of the best known hockey stars of the country, Modi said the government tried its best to save Shahid.

"In the untimely and unfortunate demise of Mohammed Shahid, India has lost a talented sportsman who played with immense passion & vigour," he tweeted.

"We tried our level best to save Mohammed Shahid but sadly, neither our help nor prayers were enough to save him. Tributes to him. RIP," the Prime Minister added.

Shahid passed away battling kidney and liver problems at a Gurgaon hospital on Wednesday. He was 56.

He was part of the Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

The legend was battling for life after a bout of jaundice, and dengue made his condition worse.

Earlier this month, he was airlifted from Varanasi and admitted to the Gurgaon hospital.