Hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr. turns nostalgic

CHANDIGARH: Bringing together sports personalities of India, who have either written books or have been the subject of one or more books, Play Write 2018, a first-of-its-kind sports literature festival of India, got off to a colourful start here on Saturday.

Being organised under the ambit of the Vibrant Networking Forum, the twoday festival was inaugurated by hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr., who is a threetime Olympic gold champion having played a key role in India’s wins in the London, Helsinki and Melbourne Olympics.

While Balbir narrated some gripping stories from his childhood describing how his love for the game of hockey began, the audience was spellbound by the energy and humour with which the 95-year-old legend spoke.

He expressed gratitude to his parents for believing in him and letting him pursue his love for the game.

“I still remember the feeling when the Indian flag was hoisted at the 1948 Olympics when we beat Britain 4-0 to clinch India’s first Olympic Gold. The sense of patriotism that I felt is beyond any other feeling in the world,” he said.

“I feel extremely fortunate today to share my life journey at this unique sports literature forum that I am sure shall inspire the current generation to pursue their dreams in the field of sports.,” the legend said.

IANS