Hockey legend Balbir no more
FORMER CAPTAIN PASSES AWAY AGED 96
Chandigarh, May 25: Balbir Singh Sr, one of India’s greatest hockey players who won three Olympic gold medals in a stellar career, died at a hospital in Mohali on Monday after battling multiple health issues for over two weeks.
The legendary centre-forward was 96 and is survived by his daughter Sushbir and three sons Kanwalbir, Karanbir, and Gurbir. His sons are settled in Canada and he lived here with his daughter and grandson Kabir.
On Monday he was cremated with full state honours, with Punjab Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi declaring that the Mohali Stadium will be named after the legendary player. Singh’s mortal remains were consigned to flames at an electric crematorium here, with his maternal grandson Kabir performing the last rites in the presence of Sikh priests.
The three-time Olympic gold-medallist was in a semicomatose state since May 18 and had developed a blood clot in his brain after being first admitted to the hospital for bronchial pneumonia with high fever. He was tested for Covid-19 but reports came out negative. Singh suffered three cardiac arrests during the course of his treatment.
One of the country’s most accomplished athletes, Singh was the only Indian among 16 legends chosen by the International Olympic Committee across modern Olympic history.
His world record for most goals scored by an individual in the men’s hockey final of the Olympics still remains unbeaten. He had scored five goals in India’s 6-1 victory over the Netherlands in the gold medal match of the 1952 Helsinki Games.
He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 1957. That was the first time an athlete was conferred the prestigious
● Balbir Singh was the only Indian among 16 legends chosen by the International Olympic Committee.
civilian honour.
Singh’s three Olympic gold medals came in London (1948), Helsinki (1952) as vicecaptain, and Melbourne (1956) as captain.
He was also the manager of India’s only World Cup-winning side in 1975.
Considered at par with Major Dhyan Chand in skills, Singh was among independent India’s biggest hockey stars. Singh and Dhyan Chand never played together but are regarded as the jewels of Indian hockey, who inspired an entire generation of hockey players. While Dhyan
● His world record for most goals scored by an individual in the men’s hockey final of the Olympics still remains unbeaten — he got five in India’s 61 victory over the Netherlands at the
1952 Helsinki Games.
His three Olympic golds came in London (1948), Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956) as captain.
He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 1957. That was the first time an athlete was conferred the civilian honour.
He was also manager of India’s only World Cupwinning side in 1975. Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr. Ji will be remembered for his memorable sporting performances. He brought home lots of pride and laurels. Undoubtedly a brilliant hockey player, he also made a mark as a great mentor. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and well wishers. NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of India's legendary Hockey Player Balbir Singh Sr...I pay my heartfelt tribute and pray for the eternal peace of the departed
soul. KIREN RIJIJU, Sports Minister We were great friends. He was very close to me and I feel sad that he is not amongst us now. After Dhyan Chand, if there was any (hockey) legend, it was Balbir Singh senior. MILKHA SINGH, athletics legend “Saddened to hear of the demise of one of India's most celebrated Olympians, Balbir Singh Sr. Athletes and role models such as him come very rarely, and it was an honour to know him, and I hope his example will continue to inspire athletes from around the world!” ABHINAV BINDRA, India’s only individual Olympic gold medal winner Pained to learn about the passing of our three times Olympic Gold medalist and legend Balbir Singh Senior sir this morning. His contribution towards Indian hockey is unforgettable. He will continue to inspire our generations to come. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP.” RANI RAMPAL, Indian women’s hockey team captain “Very sad to hear of the demise of legendary Olympian Balbir Singh Sr, 3 time Olympic gold medallist. He was always smiling, so mentally alert and such a thorough gentleman. What a fine role model.” VIREN RASQUINHA, Former India hockey captain “Saddened to hear about the passing of the legend, Balbir Singh Sr. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of
sorrow.” VIRAT KOHLI, Indian cricket captain “He was one of the greatest to have graced the game of hockey Field hockey stick and ball. May his soul Rest in Peace!” SACHIN TENDULKAR, Indian cricket legend
“An athlete par excellence and role model beyond words. His bestowed hands may strengthen my passions more. My condolences to his family, friends and fans!” P. T. USHA, track and field legend
Chand garnered more recognition, especially since his achievements came under the British rule, Singh’s exploits were no less impactful.
Born in 1924 in Punjab’s Haripur Khalsa village, he was spotted by Harbail Singh, who was the then coach of Khalsa College and later coached India to back-to-back gold medals in 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
Singh won three consecutive Olympic gold medals just like the more celebrated Dhyan Chand but lived a quieter life.
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