Mohali Hockey Stadium to be renamed after Balbir Singh Sr. on death anniversary

Mohali Hockey Stadium to be renamed after Balbir Singh Sr. on death anniversary

Balbir Singh Sr

Three-time Olympic gold medalist in hockey, the late Balbir Singh Sr. is set to be honored on the occasion of his first death anniversary. The Mohali International Hockey Stadium will be renamed after the icon through a ceremony today. The same was announced by the Government of Punjab on its Twitter handle as well as through an official statement released by its spokesperson.

Balbir Singh Sr is one of India’s most legendary hockey stars, most notable for scoring five goals in the 1952 Olympic finals which is till date the Guinness World Record for most goals scored in an Olympic hockey final. He was also the only Indian who was chosen along with 15 other legends by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He passed away on May 25 last year and a few months before that, had expressed his desire to see the Indian team win gold in Tokyo.

Balbir Singh Sr to be honored at a ceremony

Mohali Hockey Stadium
Mohali Hockey Stadium

The Government of Punjab released a statement about the renaming of the Mohali Hockey Stadium and wrote, “Mohali International Hockey Stadium will be dedicated to Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr. in a formal tribute ceremony at the Hockey Stadium on May 25 on the death anniversary of legendary sports person.” According to a spokesperson, the nod was given by Sports Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi to rename the stadium upon recommendation from various quarters.

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https://twitter.com/PunjabGovtIndia/status/1396828607838785544

Balbir’s daughter Sushbir meanwhile stated that there won’t be any gathering at their residence for the death anniversary. She said according to TOI, “In view of the Covid spread all over and from our side taking all necessary precautions and safety measures, we had decided not to have any gathering at our residence for Balbir Singh Sr’s first death anniversary. We thought the best way to remember the pious soul would be by listening to Sukhmani Sahib path [holy Sikh verses] … on 25 May to pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.”

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