Government of India has conferred former Punjab Police’s Balbir Singh with the prestigious Padamshree award.

Balbir Singh, born in Sansarpur near Jalandhar, is settled in Jalandhar after retiring from Punjab Police in 2001.

Balbir, a forward, won gold at the 1964 Olympics and 1966 Asian Games, besides bronze at the 1968 Mexico Olympics

Balbir made his debut in 1963 in the Lyon International tournament, which India won.

Balbir also played Senior Nationals for about two decades.

He has been a forward, positioning at wings or at centre, showing his versatality.

“Am happy I got Government of India’s top civilian award”, said Balbir, who retired as Deputy Inspector General of Police.