Times of India: My last desire is to see an Olympic gold in hockey: Balbir Sr

Chandigarh, Aug 3 () Hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr today said his one last dream is to see eight-time champions India win another Olympic gold in the sport.

Balbir Sr said he has serious hopes from the PR Sreejesh-led Indian men’s hockey team at Rio Olympics.
“I have strong hope that we will do well this time and win a medal. My last desire in my remaining lifetime is to see Indian hockey team win an Olympic gold medal,” the 92-year-old veteran told here.

Balbir Sr, who is probably India’s oldest living Olympian, spoke words of encouragement not just for the country’s hockey team, but wished good luck to all Rio-bound Indian athletes.
“Work hard, aim high, think positive, the spot at the top is always vacant. It’s meant for the brave, those who deserve to reach there. When I was playing as captain, I used to say such things and even as chief coach and manager (of Indian hockey team), I used to say that we have go to win.

“I have believed in this philosophy throughout my life. At no stage we can negative thoughts to cross our minds. We have to give our best and aim for win,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently exuded confidence that the Indian contingent would put up a grand show at Rio.

“Prime Minister Modi has exuded confidence that the Indian contingent would put up a grand show,” said Balbir Sr, who was a member of three Olympic gold medal winning teams in London (1948), Helsinki (1952), and Melbourne (1956 as captain).