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Balbir Singh Sr., born on October 10, 1924, was one of the best centre-forwards to have played for India. An opportunist in the penalty circle, Balbir was bestowed with the uncanny knack to score goals at will.
Balbir was a member of the gold winning Indian hockey teams in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games. He was the flag bearer of the Indian Olympic Contingent at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
Balbir was also a member of the Indian hockey team that won the silver medal at the Asian Games 1958 as well as the Asian Games 1962.
Post-retirement, Balbir enjoyed a successful stint as Indian team manager leading the team to a silver medal in the 1971 World Cup and the gold in the 1975 World Cup.
In 1957, Balbir Singh Senior became the first hockey player to be awarded the Padma Shri.
