Leaving a legacy behind, hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior took his last breath at the age of 95 in Mohali while being surrounded by family.
Hockey India extends its condolences to fans, friends and family of the 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Padma Shri Awardee, Balbir Singh Sr.
#IndiaKaGame #RIP @BalbirSenior — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) May 25, 2020
The three times Olympics gold medalist and captain of the 1956 Olympics gold medal winning hockey team, Singh changed the fate of hockey in the nation. Becoming the hero of independent India’s first major sporting success, Balbir Singh Senior has written his entire journey with the sport, ups and downs in his autobiography ‘The Golden Hat Trick: My Hockey Days’.
Balbir Singh Senior’s world record for most goals scored by an individual in the men’s hockey final of the Olympics still remains unbeaten. Apart from that, for his contributions to the game of hockey, the Indian government honored the legend with the Padma Shri in 1957.
The Hockey Association of India announced the news of Balbir Singh Senior’s death via a tweet and posted a video that shows a montage of the best memories of the legend with hockey. Watch:
“The day our flag was hoisted in front of thousands at Wembley Stadium (1948) and the national anthem played, I felt like I was flying.” – 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Balbir Singh Sr.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/zovlFspoyQ
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) May 25, 2020
Sports fraternity offered tributes to the hockey legend on Twitter, have a look:
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.
@BalbirSenior — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 25, 2020
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 A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) May 25, 2020
Inspiration to many and great sportsperson .. we will miss our three time Olympic gold medal winner . May the soul of #BalbirSingh sir rest in peace .. pic.twitter.com/PxncCcjrNj
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) May 25, 2020
