The renowned centre forward was a key member of India’s 1964 Olympic Gold Medal-winning team in Tokyo.The team won the gold medal after defeating Pakistan in the final, and Harbinder Singh, who was competing in his first Olympic Games, scored five goals.
The team won the gold medal after defeating rivals Pakistan in the final, and Harbinder Singh, who was competing in his first Olympic Games, scored five goals.
Harbinder played for India from 1961 to 1972, participating in three Olympic Games and earning a medal in each. Aside from the gold medal in 1964, he was a member of the Indian squad that won bronze at the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Olympics. He was a part of Indian hockey’s golden age, when the team dominated Asia, earning gold at the Asian Games in 1966 and silver in 1970.Hockey India President Padma Dilip Tirkey congratulated Harbinder Singh on his well-deserved achievement, saying, “We are very thrilled that Harbinder Singh has been recognised with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his excellent career in hockey. He has served as a role model for many of us, and he continues to inspire current generation of young hockey players. I congratulate him for earning this prize.”
Bhola Nath Singh, Hockey India Secretary General, also expressed his delight at the great receiving the national accolade. He said, “On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Harbinder Singh. He will be remembered as one of India’s greatest centre forwards, scoring at will and earning numerous honours for the country. He continues to serve the sport to this day, always wanting to contribute in whatever position he can, which is quite encouraging.”
