Charanjit Singh, Olympic Gold medalist captain dies

Charanjit Singh, India's Olympic gold medalist in hockey, died on Thursday as a consequence of age-related ailments.

Charanjit Singh, a dynamic halfback, led the Indian team to a remarkable gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He was previously a member of the 1960 Indian Olympic squad that won silver in Rome. On Thursday, the Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee died of age-related ailments. He was 92 years old at the time.

Charanjit Singh, who was born on November 20, 1929, attended Col. Brown Cambridge School in Dehradun and Punjab University. Also, He worked as the Director of the Physical Education Department at Himachal Pradesh University after his fabulous hockey career.

Read also: Hockey Women's Asia Cup 2022: Semi-final fixture and schedule

Nevertheless, the veteran midfielder was 92 years old. He leaves behind two sons and a daughter. Charanjit had a stroke 5 years earlier and remained paralysed ever since.

"Dad was paralysed after suffering a stroke five years back. He used to walk with a stick. But since the last couple of months, his health deteriorated. This morning he left us," his younger son V.P. Singh stated to PTI.

The Hockey India President's reaction

However, empathizing with Charanjit Singh's demise, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said: "It is a sad day for the hockey fraternity. Even in his old age, he would light up every time there were conversations about hockey and he could accurately recall every great moment he was part of India's golden days of hockey. Singh was a legendary halfback who inspired an entire generation of players. He was a very cool-headed Captain. He will forever be remembered for his incredible skills on the field and for his humility off the field. On behalf of Hockey India, I express my deepest condolences to his family."