Regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, a legend of the sport, Balbir Singh Dosanjh passed away today at the age of 96 after battling multiple health issues for over two weeks. A three-time Olympic gold medallist, having played a key role in India’s wins in London in 1948, Helsinki in 1952 and Melbourne in 1956 Olympics, he was widely regarded as the sport’s greatest ever centre-forward.
Balbir Singh Sr. was in a semi-comatose state since May 18 and had developed a blood clot in his brain after being first admitted to the hospital for bronchial pneumonia with high fever. He was admitted on 8th May at Fortis Hospital, Mohali and the director of the hospital told the press that the legendary player passed away at 6:30 in the morning. Balbir Singh is survived by a daughter and three sons.
One of the country’s greatest athletes, Balbir Sr was the only Indian among 16 legends chosen by the International Olympic Committee across modern Olympic history. His Olympic record for most goals scored by an individual in an Olympic men’s hockey final remains unbeaten. Cricketers like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to this great athlete. Also, actor Akshay Kumar mourned the death of the legend. Top politicians also paid homage to Padma Shri Balbir Singh.
May the departed soul rest in peace.
Saddened to hear about the passing of Indian hockey legend Padma Shri, Balbir Singh Ji. A triple Olympic gold medalist,…
Posted by Yuvraj Singh on Monday, May 25, 2020