Chief Minister Raman Singh honoured India’s veteran hockey player Balbir Singh at a function organised under the aegis of Chhattisgarh Olympic Association at his residence here on Monday.
Balbir Singh was here to attend a programme organised at the local Rajkumar College. Balbir Singh, now 90, had played significant role in winning three gold medals for India in the three consecutive Olympic games, soon after the country achieved Independence. The Chief Minister said, “We feel proud of seeing international hockey players like Balbir Singh in our midst. After Dhyanchand, who is known as the magician of hockey, Balbir had played significant role in making hockey popular. His life is inspirational and exemplary for all of us,” he added.
He said that Balbir by grabbing gold medals for India in the london Olympics in 1948, Helsinki Olympics in 1952 and Melbourn Olympics in 1956, had enlightened the name of the nation in the world of hockey. Singh also wished long life to Balbir and added that a programme would be organised in Chhattisgarh on his 100thbirthday. Balbir Singh presented a copy of his book “The Golden Yardstick” to the Chief Minister. In his reply speech, Balbir Singh said that he felt more happy with the honour than the time of winning the gold medals. Calling upon the players, he exhorted them to adopt the basic formula of “play, win and make victorious”.
The programme was conducted by international player Neeta Dumre and the vote of thanks was proposed by the president of Chhattisgarh Hockey Federation Anil Verma. Chhattisgarh Olympic Association general secretary Baldev Singh Bhatiya, vice-president Vikram Singh Sisodiya, MlA Mahesh Gagada and Chhattisgarh Weightlifting Sangh president and former MlA Vijay Baghel, office-bearers of various sports unions and players were present on the occasion.