Chandigarh: Condolences poured in from various quarters after the sad demise of Hockey Legend Balbir Singh Sr who breathed his last in Mohali on Monday morning. The triple Olympic Champion and World Cup-winning Team Manager had been battling for life ever since he was hospitalised at Fortis Hospital in Mohal on May 8.
"Today, we have not only lost our greatest hockey legend but we have also lost 'our guiding light'. While his achievements in post-independent era have been well-documented, Balbir Sr remained the greatest fan of the sport and was always there when we needed his advice. Hockey has lost its brightest star and everyone at Hockey India is pained by this news," expressed Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, President, Hockey India.
He added, "Balbir Singh Sr's exemplary achievements, his passion for the sport, his life as an icon of the game will remain an example for generations to come. On behalf of the Federation, I express my deepest condolences to his family."
Meanwhile, Sports Minister Rijiju Kiren tweeted, " Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of India's legendary Hockey Player — Balbir Singh Sr. He was part of India's gold medal winning team at 1948 London, 1952 Helsinki & 1956 Melbourne Olympics. I pay my heartfelt tribute and pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul."
Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of India's legendary Hockey Player — Balbir Singh Sr. He was part of India's gold medal winning team at 1948 London, 1952 Helsinki & 1956 Melbourne Olympics. I pay my heartfelt tribute and pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul🙏🏑 pic.twitter.com/hknd1G5DFz
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 25, 2020
Expressing his condolences, former cricketer and now MP Gautam Gambhir wrote, " Pained to hear about the demise of Hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr ji! Three time Olympic gold medalist, he brought great laurels to the country! You will always remain in our hearts Sir!"
Pained to hear about the demise of Hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr ji! Three time Olympic gold medalist, he brought great laurels to the country! You will always remain in our hearts Sir! #BalbirSingh
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 25, 2020
Saddened to hear about the demise of hockey legend #BalbirSingh ji. Have had the good fortune of meeting him in the past, such an amazing personality! My heartfelt condolences to his family 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/knjOq7VEav
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 25, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Balbir Singh Sr ji. An athlete par excellence and a role model beyond words! His bestowed hands may strengthen my passions more. My condolences to his family, friends and fans!#balbirsingh #Balbirhockey pic.twitter.com/figkm8ibBW
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) May 25, 2020
Balbir Singh Ji, You will be missed. Great legend of the game but moreover an amazing person. #RIP #BalbirSingh Ji. @BalbirSenior pic.twitter.com/86IMHWSa22
— Sardar Singh (@imsardarsingh8) May 25, 2020
Legends never truly leave, they live on in the hearts of people. #BalbirSingh ji, thank you for the decades of great hockey and for inspiring us. Condolences to the family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xMvvVEVxFs
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 25, 2020
Balbir Sr, who was 96-year-old, was the most decorated athlete in Indian sports history with Olympic medals in 1948, 1952 and 1956 Summer Games. He coached the Indian team which won the Bronze Medal at the 1971 World Cup and was Manager of the Indian team that won the Gold Medal at the 1975 World Cup.
Beating England 4-0 in their own backyard during the Final of the 1948 Olympic Games as an independent nation was Balbir Sr's 'greatest moment’.
