XtraTime Web Desk: Three time Olympic gold medal winning hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr passed away in Chandigarh on Monday. The legendary hockey player breathed his last at the Fortis Hospital in Mohali around 6:30am. He is survived by his daughter Sushbir and three sons Kanwalbir, Karanbir, and Gurbir. The 95 year old was suffering from pulmonary disease since last two years. He was the only Indian among the 16 legends chosen by the International Olympic Committee.
Since making his debut for the country in the 1948 London Olympics, Balbir Sr holds the record for most goals scored by an individual in the men’s hockey final of the Olympics. He was instrumental in helping India win its first ever Olympics gold defeating Great Britain in 1948. He was also part of the gold medal winning Indian hockey teams of 1952 Helsinki Olympics and Melbourne Olympics in 1956.
He was the captain of the Indian team at the Melbourne Olympics where he carried India’s flag at the opening ceremony. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1957, becoming the first Indian hockey player to receive it. He was also the coach of the Indian hockey team that won bronze in 1971 Hockey World Cup. He also had the honour of lighting the torch at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.
The passing away of Sardar Balbir Singh Sr will bring an end to a golden past. Balbir Sr will continue to inspire the future generations to come