Role models such as him come very rarely: Abhinav Bindra leads tributes for hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior
One of the country's greatest athletes, Balbir Singh Senior was the only Indian among 16 legends chosen by the International Olympic Committee across modern Olympic history.
by India Today Web DeskHIGHLIGHTS
- Indian sports fraternity paid tribute to hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior
- Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra said the hockey legend would continue to inspire athletes around the world
- 3-time Olympics gold medallist Balbir Singh Sr. passed away at 95 on Monday
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha, shooter Heena Sidhu and a host of other sportspersons have paid tribute to hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior, who passed away at the age of 95 on Monday.
Balbir Singh Senior, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, died after battling multiple health issues for over two weeks. He was admitted at Fortis Hospital, Mohali where he breathed his last breath.
Sports fraternity offered tributes to the hockey legend. Abhinav Bindra wrote on Twitter that it was an honour for him to know Balbir Singh Senior and the Indian hockey great would continue to inspire athletes around the world.
Indian shooter Heena Sidhu said that though the hockey legend has left the world, he would continue to reside in the memories.
Balbir Singh Senior 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 high fever.
The iconic player was 95 and is survived by his daughter Sushbir and three sons Kanwalbir, Karanbir, Gurbir.
Balbir Singh Senior's world record for most goals scored by an individual in the men's hockey final of the Olympics still remains unbeaten.
He had scored five goals in India's 6-1 victory over the Netherlands in the gold medal match of the 1952 Helsinki Games. He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 1957.
Balbir Sr's three Olympic gold medals came in London (1948), Helsinki (1952) as vice-captain, and Melbourne (1956) as captain.
He was also the manager of India's only World Cup-winning side in 1975.