The three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Balbir Singh Sr breathed his last on Monday at 95 years old at Fortis Hospital in Mohali. The news spread throughout the country like wildfire. And many prominent people and cricketers expressed their sorrow at the death of the hockey hero.
Bollywood director Reema Kagti directed a movie ‘Gold’ in 2018, in which Akshay Kumar played the role of the manager of Team India when he traveled to London in 1948. The late legend of hockey inspired a character named Himmat Singh.
Balbir Singh Sr scored two goals for the Olympic final in 1948, which helped India win the match by 4-0, against host England. The first Olympic Gold Medal won after Independence of India was the biggest day in the history of the country. He also played an important role during the Olympics of 1952 and 1956, where he won consecutive hockey golds on the national side.
Balbir Singh Sr has been one of the greatest sportspersons: Sachin Tendulkar.
He was also appointed as the National Team Manager for some time after saying goodbye to the game. The legendary player died with multiple health problems. There is no doubt that he was a fighter who fought for two weeks before he took his last breath on Monday.
He was the first sports personality to be awarded the Padma Shri Award in 1957. He also holds the record for most of the goals in the Olympic final (5). This milestone reached against Holland in 1952.
The Cricket fraternity was shocked by the death of Balbir Singh Sr. And, a lot of cricketers came out and gave a tribute to the hockey hero for giving the country such beautiful memories.
Current Indian skipper Virat Kohli took off his Twitter account and expressed his condolences, saying, “Saddened to hear about the passing of the great, Balbir Singh Sr. In this time of grief, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family @BalbirSenior.
Here is how cricketers reacted:
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
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
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
An absolute legend of the game🏑
Balbir Singh Sr Sir, you will be missed. #RIP champion 🙏— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) May 25, 2020
#BalBirSingh ji- A True Giant and a half in his field. Hockey legend out and out. Condolences 🙏 #BalbirSinghSenior pic.twitter.com/4xClWGmhkT
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 25, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. #Legend #BalbirSinghSenior
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) May 25, 2020
#RIP Balbir Singh Sr Sir. One of the greatest hockey players of our nation. 🏑🙏
— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) May 25, 2020
A brilliant sportsman for our nation whose performances brought great laurels for our country. #RIP Balbir Singh Sr Sir.
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) May 25, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Balbir Singh ji Sr.
He was one of the greatest to have graced the game of hockey 🏑.
May his soul Rest in Peace! pic.twitter.com/Z4tnb6D3OB
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 25, 2020
