Balbir Singh: India mourns the demise of hockey legend

Hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior aged 96 passed away on Monday. Balbir was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mohali, Punjab and was in a ‘semi-comatose condition’. He was hospitalised in the first week of May with high fever and breathing trouble.

The player who started his career in hockey as a goalkeeper during his school days also played as a defender before turning out to be India’s greatest centre forwards.

He was the most decorated sportsperson in Indian sports history with Olympic medals in 1948, 1952 and 1956 Summer Games. Apart from making a mark in the Indian team he also played a role of coaching for the team which bagged the bronze medal in the 1971 World Cup. Later, he was also appointed as the manager of the Indian team that claimed the gold medal at the 1975 World Cup. Apart from being the oldest surviving Olympic medallist from the country, he was the first sports personality to be felicitated with the Padma Shri award.

Soon after his demise, multiple luminaries and sports fraternity rushed to social media to pay their last respects to the hockey legend.

Sad to hear the passing of hockey legend Shri Balbir Singh Sr. A three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Padma Shri awardee and one of India's greatest athletes, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2020

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 (@narendramodi) 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

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

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

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

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

Saddened to hear of the demise of three-time Olympic Gold medal-winning Hockey Legend Balbir Singh Sr. It was an honour to know him. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/qfj8ydYxzU

— Akhil kumar (@Akhilkumarboxer) May 25, 2020