Hyderabad: Sports Fraternity on Monday mourned the demise of three-time Olympic champion Balbir Singh, who passed away this morning at the age of 95 after battling multiple health issues.
The veteran player suffered a cardiac arrest on May 12 and after that, he suffered two more cardiac arrests during the course of his admission in the hospital.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist was in a semi-comatose state since 18 May and had developed a blood clot in his brain after being first admitted to the hospital for bronchial pneumonia with high fever.
"Balbir Singh passed away this morning," Balbir's grandson Kabir said in a statement.
From India men’s hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh to Indian men's cricket team captain Virat Kohli, from Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra to legendary Indian runner PT Usha, numerous Indian sportstars expressed grief and condole the demise of hockey legend Balbir Singh.
Here are some of the reactions:
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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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2020Saddened 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
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Rest in Peace to one of the GREATEST and LEGENDARY player of all time Padma Shri Balbir Singh Senior ji - you will lives forever in our heart 🙏🏼 #tripleolympicsgoldmedalist pic.twitter.com/nYu5mfSV5t
— Manpreet Singh (@manpreetpawar07) May 25, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Rest in Peace to one of the GREATEST and LEGENDARY player of all time Padma Shri Balbir Singh Senior ji - you will lives forever in our heart 🙏🏼 #tripleolympicsgoldmedalist pic.twitter.com/nYu5mfSV5t
— Manpreet Singh (@manpreetpawar07) May 25, 2020Rest in Peace to one of the GREATEST and LEGENDARY player of all time Padma Shri Balbir Singh Senior ji - you will lives forever in our heart 🙏🏼 #tripleolympicsgoldmedalist pic.twitter.com/nYu5mfSV5t
— Manpreet Singh (@manpreetpawar07) May 25, 2020
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A doyen of Indian sports Shri Balbir Singh Senior is no more. When you look back at his achievements,you just remain awestruck
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 25, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
3 olympic gold medals,five goals in Olympic final.
Manager of World Cup winning team
Possibly among India's greatest sporting icons.May his soul rest RIP pic.twitter.com/duSN1LvRWH
">A doyen of Indian sports Shri Balbir Singh Senior is no more. When you look back at his achievements,you just remain awestruck
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 25, 2020
3 olympic gold medals,five goals in Olympic final.
Manager of World Cup winning team
Possibly among India's greatest sporting icons.May his soul rest RIP pic.twitter.com/duSN1LvRWHA doyen of Indian sports Shri Balbir Singh Senior is no more. When you look back at his achievements,you just remain awestruck
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 25, 2020
3 olympic gold medals,five goals in Olympic final.
Manager of World Cup winning team
Possibly among India's greatest sporting icons.May his soul rest RIP pic.twitter.com/duSN1LvRWH
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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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
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
">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/8qcIuHe9vWPained 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
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Hockey India extends its condolences to fans, friends and family of the 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Padma Shri Awardee, Balbir Singh Sr.🙏#IndiaKaGame #RIP @BalbirSenior
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) May 25, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Hockey India extends its condolences to fans, friends and family of the 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Padma Shri Awardee, Balbir Singh Sr.🙏#IndiaKaGame #RIP @BalbirSenior
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) May 25, 2020Hockey India extends its condolences to fans, friends and family of the 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Padma Shri Awardee, Balbir Singh Sr.🙏#IndiaKaGame #RIP @BalbirSenior
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) May 25, 2020
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Legends never truly leave, they live on in the hearts of people. #BalbirSingh ji, thank you for the decades of great hockey and for inspiring us. Condolences to the family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xMvvVEVxFs
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 25, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Legends never truly leave, they live on in the hearts of people. #BalbirSingh ji, thank you for the decades of great hockey and for inspiring us. Condolences to the family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xMvvVEVxFs
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 25, 2020Legends never truly leave, they live on in the hearts of people. #BalbirSingh ji, thank you for the decades of great hockey and for inspiring us. Condolences to the family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xMvvVEVxFs
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 25, 2020
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#BalBirSingh ji- A True Giant and a half in his field. Hockey legend out and out. Condolences 🙏 #BalbirSinghSenior pic.twitter.com/4xClWGmhkT
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 25, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">#BalBirSingh ji- A True Giant and a half in his field. Hockey legend out and out. Condolences 🙏 #BalbirSinghSenior pic.twitter.com/4xClWGmhkT
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 25, 2020#BalBirSingh ji- A True Giant and a half in his field. Hockey legend out and out. Condolences 🙏 #BalbirSinghSenior pic.twitter.com/4xClWGmhkT
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 25, 2020
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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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2020Saddened 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
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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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Balbir ji will always remain alive in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. #RIP💙 #TeamIndia🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/MqjXQ2pfzT
">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/MqjXQ2pfzTIOA 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
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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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2020I 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
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End of an era in Hockey as our very dear and respected @BalbirSenior passed way. He was a legend. Condolences to the family in this hour of loss. RIP Sir.@TheHockeyIndia @IndiaSports pic.twitter.com/vUnM5XleLu
— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) May 25, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">End of an era in Hockey as our very dear and respected @BalbirSenior passed way. He was a legend. Condolences to the family in this hour of loss. RIP Sir.@TheHockeyIndia @IndiaSports pic.twitter.com/vUnM5XleLu
— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) May 25, 2020End of an era in Hockey as our very dear and respected @BalbirSenior passed way. He was a legend. Condolences to the family in this hour of loss. RIP Sir.@TheHockeyIndia @IndiaSports pic.twitter.com/vUnM5XleLu
— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) May 25, 2020
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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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2020My 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
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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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2020Deeply 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
Balbir Singh was a three-time Olympic gold champion. He played a key role in India's Olympic victories in London (1948), as a vice-captain in Helsinki (1952) and as the captain in Melbourne (1956).
His 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
In his illustrious playing career from 1947-1958, Balbir Sr. won 61 international caps and scored a whopping 246 goals. He was also the manager of the 1975 World Cup-winning team.
