Olympic swimmer Shamsher Khan passed away

Vijayawada: India's first Olympian swimmer Shamsher Khan(87) passed away in Guntur district,Andhra Pradesh.He is survived by three daughters and two sons.

Khan, who had represented India in 1956 Olympics, breathed his last at his home in Islampur, a village near repalle in Guntur. Khan, who was ailing for some time, complained of chest pain but died before he could be taken to the hospital.

He was the first swimmer to represent India in Olympics. 

Khan, who created a record in the butterfly event, had learned swimming after joining the Indian Army in 1946. He took part in the 1971 war against Pakistan and the 1962 war against China.After serving for 24 years, he retired in 1973 as subedar (JCO). He lived his last years in poverty.

YSR Congress Party Chief YS Jagan expressed grief over the death of Khan and conveyed his condolences to his family.