Kunwar Digvijay Singh 'Babu': Born on February 1, 1920, known universally by his nickname ‘Babu’, Kunwar Digvijay Singh was the most glamorous and leading deity of early independent India. He was born in Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh. Babu played both hockey and horse riding in Whites Club in his early days. Later, he played for the famous LYA Club (Lucknow Youngman Association Club).  This club’s mentor Musfiquzzman had a profound influence on Babu who coached him in the formative years. A graduate of Lucknow’s KKC College, he had the added benefit of being born in an affluent and sports loving family. Babu's father Rai Bahadur Raghunath Singh, a barrister, was a good tennis player, elder brother Sukhdeo Singh, a great hockey star of his times. Babu and two of his brothers played the Nationals in mid 40s representing the United Province. Babu had a passion for hunting as well. Babu made his international colours in the pre-independent India team touring Ceylon and being part of East Africa tour (both in 1947). Babu was the vice-captain of the 1948 Olympic team (gold) where he was in the playing Eleven of all matches. As a scheming inside forward, he set up goals selflessly for others and also scored on his own. Babu was deserving captain for Helsinki Olympics (gold) and his great game attracted world wide acclaim; he was awarded the coveted Helms Trophy (given to an athlete of each continent for being the best amateur sportsman). Babu toured New Zealand in 1955. Despite being in form and popular in that series, he opted out of the 1956 Olympics and 1958 Asian Games, after being named in the team, to pave way for youngsters. Babu coached Hong Kong team for the 1966 Asian Games. Babu then focused on sports administration, pioneered many schemes in Uttar Pradesh as the top official of Sports department, Government of Uttar Pradesh. He also coached India to Olympic bronze (1972 Munich). The life of the most colourful hockey personalities of India, whose charisma and commitment stood in good stead to produce a large number of hockey stars, came to an anti climax end when he committed suicide on 28th March 1978 He was awarded Padamshree in 1958