Jagmohan Singh Barhok

The Punjab government has decided to rename Mohali Hockey Stadium as Balbir Singh Stadium, it is reliably learnt. Balbir Singh Senior, one of the best center forwards seen in action, represented India in three consecutive Olympics 1948 (London),1952 (Helsinki) as vice captain & 1956 ( Melbourne) as captain of the Indian contingent. The other player who did play in three consecutive Olympics was Hockey legend Dhyan Chand .He, represented the country in 1928, 1932 & 1936 Games. Singh was a close friend of my father late Amrik Singh Barhok .My childhood albums carried his photographs, in dress, shot in early 1950s at Ferozepur in Punjab ( published here).

The Patriot adjudged him as the Indian sportsperson of the Century in 1982.He was the first sportsmen to be bestowed with Padma Shri in 1957 by the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Holds the records for scoring maximum number of goals in a the men’s hockey final. Also chosen as one of the 16 legends in the modern International Olympics history.

Singh led the Indian hockey contingent as manager and chief coach for the 1975 Men’s Hockey World Cup, which India won, and the 1971 Men’s Hockey World Cup, where India earned a bronze medal.

Balbir Singh Dosanjh born 31 December 1923, stands out as a potential recipient for Bharat Ratna along with Dhyan Chand & industrialist Ratan Tata. His autobiography ‘The Golden Hat Trick: My Hockey Days’ parts with valuable information about the game. Died at the age of 96 in Mohali on 25 May 2020.