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Punjab has been the hub of sports in India. Whenever India competed in Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Punjab alone contributed about 75 per cent of the players of many competing teams. Punjab excelled in all games, especially in hockey. Europeans were baffled to see the Indian hero Dhyan Chand play, truly the best in the world in his hay days. The Indian hockey team, led by Dhyan Chand, won the gold medal in every Olympic Games from Helsinki to Melbourne. Towards the fag end of Dhyan Chand's career, India was looking for someone like him who could continue India’s winning streak. Balbir Singh (senior) was one such player. Like Dhyan Chand, Balbir, too, led the Indian hockey to its pinnacle. With his elusive play and stinging shots, he broke Dhyan Chand's record of most goals scored. In 1948 London Olympics he steered India to win the gold medal, his first. In the 1952 and 1956 Olympics Games, his fame preceded him and the rival defence players dreaded his presence. Once Balbir was seriously injured during the semi-finals and was ruled out to play by the team’s doctor. But the coach played Balbir in the final. When asked why, the coach said, “To put fear into the rival team. Also, the opponent’s defence would concentrate on Balbir, thus giving other Indian forwards a chance to score.” He led India in the 1956 Olympic Games and won the gold. He became the first international sportsperson to win three gold medals. After retirement, he dedicated his life to the promotion of hockey. He coached and managed Indian hockey team in many major tournaments. He was promoted to the post of Director of Sports. He is an unsung hero whose contribution has brought glory to India many times. His goal-scoring record still remains unbroken. Even at this ripe age, he remains an ardent supporter of hockey. He has also written several books to promote hockey in India. Balbir Singh (senior) truly deserves a Bharat Ratana for his contribution to the game. — The writer is a hockey Olympian from Uganda.
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