MK Kaushik was a prominent member of India's last Olympic gold-winning team and also a successful coach for India. He died on Saturday due to Covid-19. His 1980 Olympic teammate Ravinder Pal Singh also died on Saturday due to coronavirus. It is a tragic news for the entire hockey world.
MK Kaushik has been a big name in the Indian hockey circuit. He has been the coach of India's men's as well as the women's team. India's men's team won a gold medal in the 1998 Asian games when he was the coach. The women's team had also won a bronze in the 2006 Asian games. He was awarded the Dronacharya Award in 2002.
Kaushik was tested Covid-19 positive on April 7 and since then, he had been battling with the disease. "He was put on a ventilator this morning but passed away just now," his son Ehsan told PTI. Hockey India posted on Twitter after his death: "Hockey India griefs the loss of Mr. M. K. Kaushik, Gold Medal-winning Olympian and former Coach of the Indian Hockey Team"
On the other hand, Ravinder Pal Singh played for India in the Champions Trophy in Karachi (1980, 1983), the Silver Jubilee 10-nation Cup in Hong Kong in 1983, the 1982 World Cup in Mumbai, and also the 1982 Asia Cup in Karachi. His most famous appearance was in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted: "I'm deeply saddened to learn that Shri Ravinder Pal Singh ji has lost the battle to Covid19. With his passing away India loses a golden member of the hockey team that won Gold in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. His contribution to Indian sports will always be remembered. Om Shanti"
"Hockey India extends its deepest condolences to Ravinder Pal Singh's family. Ravinder made an immense contribution to Indian hockey and his achievements will always be remembered. May Ravinder's family and friends have the strength to pass through this difficult time," Hockey India president Gyanendro Ningombam said.