Hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr. meets the Indian cricket team ahead of their match against Australia

Balbir Singh Sr. with MS Dhoni

The Indian Cricket Team, who are presently in Mohali, gearing up for their crunch encounter against Australia in the ICC World T20, found a special visitor on Saturday when Balbir Singh Sr dropped by at the venue to wish the Men In Blue the very best for their match.

A three-time Olympic Gold medalist, Mr. Singh specifically met Dhoni and wished him the very best for the game, which the team have to win to qualify for the semis.

Mr. Singh was one of the main players when the Indian hockey team won the gold at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, scoring 8 out of the 9 goals in the semifinals as well as the finals. He was also part of the team that won gold in the 1948 London as well as 1956 Melbourne Olympics and also featured in the side that won silver at the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games.

Mr Singh was the first sports personality to have been awarded the Padma Shri in 1957 and at the first Hockey India awards that were held in New Delhi last year, was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contribution to the sport.

Speaking after his meeting with the team Mr. Singh said that like he and his side won three straight golds at the Olympics, he wished the cricket team also won a third crown after triumphs in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

"I came today to wish the team to win their third World title and complete their own golden hat-trick, “ he said.