New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of legendary hockey player and three-time Olympic gold medalist Balbir Singh Sr who passed away this morning at a Mohali hospital at the age of 95.
The hockey legend, who was admitted to the hospital on May 8, was in a semi-comatose state since May 18 after developing a blood clot in his brain.
Taking to Twitter, PM wrote: “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.”
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2020
Singh was a member of the 1948 London Olympics gold medal-winning Indian hockey team. Apart from that he was the vice-captain of the 1952 victorious side and skipper of the 1956 champions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the demise of the hockey legend. Paying tribute to Singh on Twitter, Shah also shared a picture of him meeting the hockey star.
Pained to learn about the demise of Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr ji, a legendary hockey player, who left indelible imprint on world hockey with his stick.
I was fortunate to have met the lively and joyful Balbir ji, a three time Olympic gold medalist. My condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/rgQFi3yB8V
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 25, 2020
“Pained to learn about the demise of Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr ji, a legendary hockey player, who left indelible imprint on world hockey with his stick. I was fortunate to have met the lively and joyful Balbir ji, a three time Olympic gold medalist. My condolences to his family,” he tweeted.
Balbir Singh was one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Indian sports. He was also awarded the Padma Shri award in 1957.
President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed grief. “Sad to hear the passing of hockey legend Shri Balbir Singh Sr. A three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s greatest athletes, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” he tweeted.
Sad to hear the passing of hockey legend Shri Balbir Singh Sr. A three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Padma Shri awardee and one of India's greatest athletes, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2020
Indian Cricketer, Virat Kohli also paid tribute to the late hockey legend. “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” he tweeted.
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
