New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Two-time Olympic medallist and Padma Shri award winner Charanjit Singh passed away on Thursday in Una district, Himachal Pradesh, due to age-related complications. He was 92.
The Arjuna Award winner was part of India's glorious days. A charismatic halfback, Charanjit Singh had led the Indian team to a historic gold medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, beating Pakistan in the final and was also part of the Indian team that won silver in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.
Born on November 20, 1929, Charanjit Singh was an alumnus of Col. Brown Cambridge School, Dehradun and Punjab University. After his illustrious career in international hockey, he worked as Director of the Physical Education department at Himachal Pradesh University, in Shimla.
Hockey India on Thursday mourned the demise of hockey legend Charanjit Singh.
When Hockey India had interviewed the legend in June 2021 for the Hockey India Flashback Series in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, he had fondly remembered the final against Pakistan during the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, the association said in a press release.
He had nostalgically stated, "Both the teams were regarded among the strongest teams during that time, and we had a very challenging outing against them. Moreover, you know, how intense it becomes when you play against Pakistan that too in the final of the Olympics. 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 the match by a narrow 1-0 margin to return home with that historic Gold medal."
He had further remembered about the grand welcome they received upon returning to India wearing the coveted Gold medal around their necks. "Winning two medals for the country has been a moment of pride and honour for me. You know, after winning the Gold Medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, we were accorded a warm welcome on our arrival at the airport, a lot of fans had assembled, and it was a very special feeling for every one of us."
Condoling Charanjit Singh's demise, 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 and 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."
An athlete not old enough to grasp the enormity of his feat struck gold, a seasoned but scarred pro found his silver lining and a man here for hobby collected a bronze as shooters dominated India’s medal haul in the Asian Games on Tuesday.
Vinesh Phogat on Monday became the first Indian woman wrestler to win an Asian Games gold after she defeated Japan's Yuki Irie in the 50 kilogram women's Freestyle final here.
Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was on Friday named the Indian contingent’s flag-bearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony to be held on August 18 in Jakarta.
Riding high on the runners-up performance at last month's Champions Trophy, former India hockey captain Manpreet Singh is targeting the gold medal at the upcoming Asian Games.
"I don't want her to think of a medal from the outset. She is coming back after an injury and it won't be easy. I want her to reach the finals. That is the first target," Nandi told IANS.
This tournament was an absolute treat for any basketball fans, especially those interested in seeing the talent and progression displayed by South Asian athletes.
