Tripple-Olympic hockey champion Balbir Singh died in Mohali at the age of 97 on Monday. He was also a World Cup winning manager and Hockey icon in India. Balbir Singh he died after fighting various health issues for two weeks, as per media reports.His full name was #BalbirSinghDosanjh and was also called Senior which differentiated him from five other Balbirs who played in Olympics later for India.
Balbir took his last breath at 6.30am in Fortis Hospital, Mohali. He was admitted in the hospital since May 18, after fresh blood clot was detected in his brain in his lungs. #Balbir was hospitalized for three months last year due to bronchial pneumonia. Pneumonia patches were also noticed in his lungs when he was recently hospitalized.
Balbir won three #Olympic #goldmedals in London (1948), Helsinki (1952), and Melbourne (1956) and was honored with the Padma Shri in 1995.
He was survived by his three sons Kanwalbir, Karanbir, Gurbir and daughter Sushbir. He was experiencing high fever and already suffered three cardiac arrests. “Nanaji passed away this morning,” his maternal grandson Kabir stated.
Prime Minister #NarendraModi and #AkshayKumar along with many others paid tribute to an unbeatable hero of young India. “Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr. Ji will be remembered for his memorable sporting performances. He brought home lots of pride and laurels. Undoubtedly a brilliant hockey player, he also made a mark as a great mentor. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and well-wishers,” PM Modi tweeted.
Former hockey players demanded recognition to Sr from the government. They said he did not get the due credit for bringing medals and hence should be honoured for all his successful unmatched matches.