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Hockey legend and former Indian captain, Balbir Singh Sr. passes away


Hockey legend and former Indian captain, Balbir Singh Sr. passes away
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Three-time Olympic gold medal-winning hockey icon and former Indian Hockey Team Captain, Balbir Singh Sr passed away in Chandigarh on Monday, May 25. The hockey legend breathed his last after battling multiple health issues for close to two weeks.

Singh is survived by his daughter Sushbir and three sons Kanwalbir, Karanbir, and Gurbir.“He died at around 6:30 this morning,” Abhijit Singh, Director Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where he was admitted on May 8, told PTI.

According to reports, the former Indian hockey captain was in a semi-comatose state since May 18 and had developed a blood clot in his brain after being first admitted to the hospital for bronchial pneumonia with a high fever. 

PM Narendra Modi and other sports personalities took Twitter to pay their tribute to the legend as he breathed his last in Chandigarh.

PM Modi 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."

Former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman said that he was 'sad to hear the news of the passing away of one of our greatest hockey icons'.

Bishan Singh Bedi called him 'India's Greatest Hockey Player since Independence' as he paid tribute to the hockey legend on Twitter,

Unarguably, one of the greatest athletes that India has ever produced, Balbir Sr was the only Indian among 16 legends chosen by the International Olympic Committee across modern Olympic history. The 95-year-old's world record for most goals scored by an individual in the men’s hockey final of the Olympics still remains unbeaten.

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