Former India hockey legend and the captain of the Indian national side, Balbir Singh Sr passed away on Monday after multiple health complications.
One of the greatest players on hockey field, Sardar Balbir Singh Sr Ji was the hero of Independent India’s first Olympic hockey gold in 1948.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 25, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear of his demise.
May Waheguru Ji bless his soul. pic.twitter.com/zOJuWjCsQf
His demise was announced by the director of Fortis Hospital in Mohali and later by his grandson Kabir.
Balbir Singh was the manager of the only Indian side to win World Cup victory in 1975 and his record for most goals by an individual player in an Olympic final (made in 1952, Helsinki), remains unbeaten.
Anguished by the tragic news of passing away of one of India’s Greatest Hockey Players Padma Shri Sardar Balbir Singh Sr Ji.
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 25, 2020
India lost a legend today!
My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. pic.twitter.com/V0fAWCArmf
RIP Balbir Singh Sr.
— Parveen Sharma (@Parveen_Decentt) May 25, 2020
3 Time Olympic Gold medalist in 1948 ,1952 ,1956
Scored 2 goals in 1948 Olympics final
Scored 5 goals in 1952 Olympics final
Coach of Ind team that won bronze in 1971 WC
Manager of 🇮🇳 team that won gold in 1975 WC
Padma Shri Awardee in 1957
RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/O05USFZMW6
The passing of hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr. is extremely disheartening. He was a three time Olympic gold champion who went on to become the first person to be awarded the Padma Shri in the sports category. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/5l0xS9QaUc
— Congress (@INCIndia) May 25, 2020
He was conferred with Olympics gold medal thrice in London (1948), Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956).
Apart from this he was honoured with Padma Shri in 1957.
We mourn the tragic demise of the legendary hockey icon Balbir Singh Sr, a 3-time Olympic gold medalist and one of India’s greatest-ever sportspersons 🙏🏻
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 25, 2020
May his soul rest in peace 💐#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/K9v139i728
India’s Greatest Hockey Player since Independence Sardar Balbir Singh Sr is no more..Long Live Sardar Balbir Singh Sr..RIP Legend.! pic.twitter.com/myDSfsti1r
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) May 25, 2020
Balbir Singh was admitted in the hospital on May 8 with bronchial pneumonia and ended up having a blood clot in his brain eventually.
He suffered 3 cardiac arrests in his treatment of 17-day treatment.
1956 :: Balbir Singh Sr. During Melbourne Olympics Victory Ceremony #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/6Y3wDDohBj
— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) May 25, 2020
My heartfelt condolences at the passing away of one of the greatest hockey players of our nation, Balbir Singh Sr. a triple Olympic gold medalist, he was the only Indian among 16 legends chosen by IOC across modern Olympic history. May his soul RIP. pic.twitter.com/ODTRvf7nXR
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) May 25, 2020
An absolute legend of the game🏑
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) May 25, 2020
Balbir Singh Sr Sir, you will be missed. #RIP champion 🙏
Hockey Legend & three-time Olympic Gold medallist Balbir Singh Sr passes away at 95.#BalbirSinghSr still holds the record for the most number of goals in an Olympic final. He had scored five goals in the 6-1 win over Netherlands in 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
— Suraj Kaul (@surajkaul4) May 25, 2020
RIP Legend.🇮🇳@rwac48 pic.twitter.com/22wlxJCXB6
With his demise, Indian sports has lost one of its gems.
