A throwback photo of Balbir Singh Sr. alongside his teammates during the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Balbir Singh, the legendary figure who led the flag-bearing procession at the 1948 Olympics, is currently fighting for his life in the ICU at PGI Chandigarh. At 94 years old, he is suffering from severe bronchial pneumonia. Doctors have confirmed he is in critical condition within the RICU, struggling with low blood pressure and a slow heart rate, necessitating round-the-clock medical supervision. Singh is a titan of the sport with three Olympic gold medals to his name, starting with his debut at the 1948 London Games. After helping India secure gold in London, he added two more titles in 1952 and 1956, the latter as the team captain. His prolific scoring across the Olympics in London, Helsinki, and Melbourne earned him the Padma Shri in 1957, making him the first-ever recipient. Later, in 1975, he guided the Indian hockey team to a World Cup victory as their manager and head coach. The center forward remains the only Indian recognized among the 16 most influential Olympic legends in history. Even 65 years later, his record for the most goals scored in a men's Olympic final remains unbeaten—a feat achieved in the 1952 Helsinki Games where he scored five of India's six goals against the Netherlands. Due to his extraordinary skill and mastery of the stick, he is often referred to as the modern-day Dhyan Chand.
The 94 year old is suffering from bronchial pneumonia. Doctors stated that, “He is critical and is admitted I the RICU. His heart rate is quite slow and blood pressure is very low.”
His condition was being closely being monitored by Doctors and would continue to be in the hospital for the now.
He is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and made his hockey debut in 1948 at London Games. He scored his first two goals claiming his first gold, going on to win two more Olympics gold medals once in 1952 and as captain of the Indian team in 1956.
Scoring goals by the dozens during the matches played in London, Helsinki and Melbourne Olympics going on to be the first person to win the Padma Shri in 1957.
1975 saw him be the manager as also the chief coach of the 1975 World-cup winning Indian hockey team.
Balbir Singh the center forward also has the honor of being chosen as the only Indian to be among a group of 16 Olympic legends in modern Olympic history.
His record of scoring the most goals in men’s final of the Olympics still stands 65 years later. Having scored five of the six goals that India scored in their victory against Netherlands during the gold medal final match in the 1952 Helsinki Games. He was also knows as a modern-day Dhyan Chand for the ability with which he played with his hockey stick.