New Delhi, Jan 27: Hockey India on Thursday condoled the demise of hockey legend Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee Charanjit Singh, who died in Una district in Himachal Pradesh due to age-related complications. He was 92.
Singh had led the Indian team to a historic Gold Medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, beating Pakistan in the final. He was also part of the Indian team that won the Silver in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.
Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said: “It is a sad day for the hockey fraternity. Even in his old age, he would light up every time there were conversations about hockey. He could accurately recall every great moment he was part of India’s golden days of hockey.
“He was a legendary halfback who inspired an entire generation of players. He was a very cool-headed captain and he will forever be remembered for his incredible skills on the field and for his humility off the field. On behalf of Hockey India, I expressed my deepest condolences to his family.”
In an interview with Hockey India in June 2021 for the Flashback Series, the hockey great remembered the final against Pakistan during the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. “Both the teams were regarded among the strongest and we had a very challenging outing against them. Moreover, you know, how intense it becomes when you play against Pakistan, that too in a final of Olympics,”
Hockey India quoted Singh as saying. “The match was also interrupted briefly to cool down the tempers of both teams. I told my boys to focus on the game, rather than wasting time talking to them. We were tested hard but also showed great character and won by a narrow 1-0 margin to return home with that historic Gold medal.”
