Indian hockey legend Leslie Claudius, who was suffering from a prolonged illness, passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata on Thursday.

He was admitted to the hospital last Friday after complaining of breathing problems.

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The 85-year-old was among the country's best-known hockey players, having won gold medals at three Olympics -- 1948 Olympics in London, 1952 in Helsinki and 1956 in Melbourne.

At the Tokyo Olympics he led India to a silver medal.

Claudius, who was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and frequently needed hospitalization in the past couple of years, is survived by his wife and son.