Balbir Singh Sr. turns hero for war-stricken India after Olympic heist

Balbir Singh Sr. was one of the most decorated players in the history of Indian hockey. He won three Olympic gold medals in 1948 (London), 1952 (Helsinki), and 1956 (Melbourne). In the final of the 1948 Olympics against Great Britain, Balbir scored two goals as India went on to win the match 4-0.

In 1952, he helped India beat the Netherlands 6-1 in the final by scoring five goals. He also made the record for scoring the most goals in men’s hockey in an Olympic final. In 1956, Singh did not take part in the group matches but returned to play in the semi-final and final.

India beat Pakistan 1-0 in the final. Overall, Singh’s career was stupendous, to say the least, as he scored 22 goals for his country in eight games. However, more than his heroics on the field, Balbir would be known for his generous act when India was going through a tough phase.

Balbir Singh Sr. handed over all his three gold medals to the then Punjab Chief Minister for the China War relief fund in October 1962.

“The country’s troubled time was bigger than my Olympic medals. That is why I gave it to the national defense fund,” Singh told Pixtory.

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Balbir Singh Sr. bringing India laurels

Apart from his incredible achievements in the Olympics, he also won the silver medal in the 1958 Asian Games which took place in Japan.

In 1971, he was the coach of the Indian team that won the bronze medal in the Hockey World Cup. Four years later in 1975, he was the manager of the triumphant Indian team in the World Cup.

In 1977, Balbir Singh Sr.'s autobiography, ‘The Golden Hat Trick’ was released. On May 25, 2020, Singh passed away in Mohali at the age of 96.

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