This is second in the Series on the historic 1996 Bangkok Asian Games Gold – Editor

By S KANNAN

The rich history of Indian hockey has witnessed giant sized performances from the lion-hearted Sardars. So much so, there were six Balbir Singhs who played for India at the highest level, with the Olympics being the pinnacle. In a year where many lives have been lost to Covid-19, Balbir Singh Sr, the biggest of them all, passed away after fighting old-age related illness in Chandigarh when he was in his 90s.

There are a few more who have seen hockey for over  five decades. Their heart still beats for the sport, even as the game has changed manifold.

Col Balbir Singh in his 20s

As this week marks the 54th anniversary of India’s first ever Asian Games gold, their contribution evokes nostalgia. Talking about his  role in the 1966 Asian Games, where India won the gold against Pakistan on December 19, Balbir (Services) was all smiles.

“I was a junior and breaking into the squad. I initiated the crucial goal in the final and it remains etched in memory. To win the Asian Games gold was big as in those days only members of the playing XI  got the medal. And of course, to beat Pakistan was always special,” he said.

In a chat with this writer, Balbir Singh of Services spoke at length about how the game has changed. In a way, the 1968 Olympics is seen by historians as the one where the “downfall began” as India managed only a bronze medal.

Balbir rose to dizzy heights in the Army

“Yes, I have a lot of memories about the 1968 Olympics too. Well, I could play only one Olympics for India as after that I had a knee injury. I did play in domestic events after that but my international career was over,” recalled Balbir, who is now based in Jalandhar. He is fully alert and now plays golf regularly.

Having seen hockey for so long, Balbir (Services) is able to connect the past with the present very eloquently. ” The glory days were awesome when hockey was played on grass. So much has changed since then and hockey is today not the same as before on the synthetic surface,” he says.

Balbir himself sports a different look these days. As proud father of a son who is a serving Colonel (Sarfraz Singh) in the Indian Army and is an accomplished mountaineer, Balbir is happy the legacy continues. For well over 100 years, his family has served the Indian  Army through different generations.

Balbir says the change from surface to change in rules and playing conditions have been phenomenal. “One has to accept the changes in the sport, though I must say in terms of fitness our Indian teams (men and women) have improved vastly. I have seen the changes as I have watched most of the players since the time they were young. We must give credit for their hard work on the fitness front,” he says.

“It is not the boys but also girls like Rani Rampal who are now faster and stronger,” he said.

Some joyous members of a winning era of Indian hockey. Col Balbir at the centre.        Photo: K. Arumugam Collection

At a time when there is near certainty the postponed Tokyo Olympics will be held in July 2021, Balbir has mixed thoughts. “I honestly feel had the Covid-19 pandemic not struck this year and the Games were held this year, India (men) could have finished on the podium. After the postponement, I do not know what will happen. The whole training had to stop. We will have to see how the Indians shape up when international competitions resume in the new year,” said Balbir.

Talking about rule changes, change in colour of turf and how hockey has adapted with the changing times,  the seasoned Sardar who spends enough time at the golf ranges says one has to accept it. “The changes in the game, rules, speed are there for all the teams in the world. We cannot keep harping on past glory,” he said.

Touching on the way changes are being made in the Olympics programme, with Paris 2024 including breakdance as a sport, Balbir is amused. “How can breakdance be a sport. I suppose TV calls the shots these days and the Olympics are all about big  money as well,” he said.

Iconic picture of Balbir Singh (kneeling), 1968 Olympics

Asked about the change of coaches in India and how one had to return to foreign coaches, Balbir says it is fine. “There is no doubt the foreign coaches are doing a good job. They have kept themselves updated with the changes in the sport. Only the best coaches can produce champions, so India are doing the right thing by hiring foreign coaches,” said Balbir.

Quite often, there is a lament at home how Indian coaches are never considered for the top job. Well, Harendra Singh was given a  chances but he did not deliver at the 2018 Asian Games and the FIH World Cup the same year.

Having dominated the stick sport in yesteryears, if India have to make a comeback on the world stage, foreign coaches seem the answer. Forget what others say, Balbir (Services) is all for good foreign coaches  who will also be accountable.