From PM Narendra Modi to Abhinav Bindra: Rich tributes pour in as hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr passes away
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Social media was flooded with rich tributes as hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr passed away, aged 95, after combating multiple health issues for over two weeks.
Three-time Olympic gold medal-winning hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr breathed his last on Monday after combating multiple health issues for over two weeks. From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra, PT Usha to Virat Kohli, everyone paid rich tribute to Balbir Singh Sr following his demise at the age of 95.
"He died at around 6:30 this morning," Abhijit Singh, Director Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where he was admitted on May 8, told PTI.
Balbir Singh Sr orchestrated India’s three gold medal-winning campaigns at the Olympics and was also the manager of the side that won the 1975 Hockey World Cup.
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,” PM Modi tweeted.
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
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
“Saddened to hear of the demise of one of India's most celebrated Olympians, Balbir Singh Sr. Athletes and role models such as him come very rarely, and it was an honour to know him, and I hope his example will continue to inspire athletes from around the world!” Bindra wrote on Twitter.
Saddened to hear of the demise of one of India's most celebrated Olympians, Balbir Singh Sr. Athletes and role models such as him come very rarely, and it was an honour to know him, and I hope his example will continue to inspire athletes from around the world!
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) May 25, 2020
“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” Kohli 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
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Balbir Singh Sr ji. An athlete par excellence and a role model beyond words! His bestowed hands may strengthen my passions more. My condolences to his family, friends and fans! #balbirsingh #Balbirhockey,” PT Usha wrote.
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Balbir Singh Sr ji. An athlete par excellence and a role model beyond words! His bestowed hands may strengthen my passions more. My condolences to his family, friends and fans!#balbirsingh #Balbirhockey pic.twitter.com/figkm8ibBW
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) 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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 25, 2020
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
Here's how others reacted:
Pained to learn about the passing of our three times Olympic Gold medalist and legend Balbir Singh Senior sir this morning.
— Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) May 25, 2020
His contribution towards Indian hockey is unforgettable. He will continue to inspire our generations to come.
My deepest condolences to his family. RIP pic.twitter.com/8qcIuHe9vW
Deeply pained to hear the news about passing of legendary Balbir Singh Senior ji (Three time Olympic Gold Medalist) He will continue to be a source of inspiration for our generations My hearfelt condolences to his family and friends May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/N3sVBXerT5
— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) May 25, 2020
I was rather shocked to hear the news of legendary Olympian Balbir Singh Sr untimely demise. My heart felt condolences to his family. I pray that the almighty gives his family the strength to withstand this tragic moment. May his soul rest in peace. #RIP pic.twitter.com/ynp8LXG1UV
— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) May 25, 2020
Very sad to hear of the demise of legendary Olympian Balbir Singh Sr, 3 time Olympic gold medallist. This was from my last meeting with him at Delhi. He was always smiling, so mentally alert and such a thorough gentleman. What a fine role model pic.twitter.com/Sn1wlgdEss
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) May 25, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family of the legend Balbir Singh ji. I have come close to meeting him so many times but always missed it. I was a big fan and was hoping to get a picture with him one day. Sadly he now resides in our memories only. Till we meet again. @BalbirSenior
— Heena SIDHU (@HeenaSidhu10) May 25, 2020
India’s Greatest Hockey Player since Independence Sardar Balbir Singh Sr is no more..Long Live Sardar Balbir Singh Sr..RIP Legend.! pic.twitter.com/myDSfsti1r
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) May 25, 2020
An absolute legend of the game
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) May 25, 2020
Balbir Singh Sr Sir, you will be missed. #RIP champion
IOA mourns the passing of legendary Balbir Singh Sr. In his demise Indian sports has lost one of its most revered Hockey stalwarts and an iconic #Olympian
— NOC India (@WeAreTeamIndia) May 25, 2020
Balbir ji will always remain alive in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. #RIP #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/MqjXQ2pfzT
Balbir Sr was in a semi-comatose state since May 18 and had developed a blood clot in his brain after being admitted to the hospital for bronchial pneumonia with a high fever.
Balbir Sr’s world record for most goals by an individual in the men’s hockey final of the Olympics stands to date.