‘Whenever he wants to irritates his wife, he wears that tie” Thus started MS Gill his speech in the presence of author Balbir Singh Sr., and Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh.

New Sports minister MS Gill was in his form on the occasion of Balbir Singh’s book release function last Wednesday at the official residence of the Prime Minister.

He was referring to Nandy Singh, 1948 and 1952 Olympic gold medalist, who was sporting the 1948 Olympic tie, and was seating in the front row to witness his college’s book release function. The tie was 60-year old and the wearer 24 more.

In his introductory remark, sitting left to the Prime Minister, Gill recollected his initial days with the sports administration. “Punjab’s famous chief minister Bairon Singh Kairon put me as the first Sports Director of the Punjab Sports Department. It was the first dedicated sports department for any state and nominating an IAS for that was a trend setter”, he said.

He further informed that in his tenure Balbir Singh was working with him, and he gave him his first book (Golden Hattrick: My Hockey Days) which he ‘read in one night’.

Recollecting those days, MS Gill appeared rooted deep in sports administration and is aware of many facet of contemporary sports scene.

After the function was over, Balbir briefed him about the salient features of the book. Gill took lot of interest especially to those vintage photos in the book and could relive some moments from his green memory also.

Balbir met the minister in his chamber next day and made a special request on the measure to take the book to the intended quarters.