Sourav Ganguly suffers heart attack
Sourav's illness comes amid a speculation of a renewed attempt by the BJP to rope in him as it's chief ministerial candidate
Kolkata: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly suffered a "mild cardiac arrest" leading to a black out during a fitness session on the treadmill at the gym of his Behala residence in Kolkata on Saturday morning. He was rushed by his wife Dona and elder brother Snehasis at around 1 pm to Woodlands Hospital where he has been admitted to the intensive critical care unit.
The 48-year-old former Indian cricket captain, who have a family history of ischemic heart disease and complained of a chest and back pain on Friday, was found with blockages in his heart, said CEO of the private hospital Dr Rupali Basu. She added, "Sourav underwent angiography and angioplasty in one of three arteries. His condition is stable and conscious now."
Dr Aftab Khan, a cardiologist of the five member-medical board treating Sourav, said, "We will now take a decision how to clear the blockages in the rest two arteries. He is under observation." Sourav spoke to Dona and their daughter: Sana later. He will be at the hospital at least for the next four-five days.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Sad to hear that @SGanguly99 suffered a mild cardiac arrest and has been admitted to hospital. Wishing him a speedy and full recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family!" She and several other state ministers visited Sourav later.
"He is fine and smiling. Lying on the bed he rather asked me: how is your health? He is our pride. I do not how it happened to him. I heard he never underwent any test despite being such a big sportsperson of international stature. I was not aware of it. I thank the hospital authorities and doctors for their prompt treatment," Ms Banerjee said.
Sourav's illness comes amid a speculation of a renewed attempt by the BJP to rope in him as it's chief ministerial candidate with the Bhoomiputra face for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Election though he swept away the offer earlier.
Worried about his ill health, union home minister Amit Shah, who shared the dais with him at a cricket event in New Delhi on December 28, inquired about his condition from senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya who has been in touch with the hospital authorities. Some BJP leaders also visited the hospital.
Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, whom Sourav met a week ago before meeting Mr Shah, also visited Sourav. Wishing his speedy recovery, he said, "I interacted with him. I am greatly relieved like millions of followers of him all over the world." Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, "Just got to know about your ailment Sourav. Hope each passing day brings you closer to a full and speedy recovery! Get well soon."