When Balbir Singh gave independent India its first Olympic gold medal
On August 12, 1948, India thrashed Great Britain 4-0 to win their first Olympic gold as an independent country. In this image Balbir Singh Sr can be seen getting congratulatory messages from VK Krishna Menon, High Commissioner for India.
Twin strike to help India win its first Olympic gold
In the final against Great Britain, Balbir Singh Sr scored two vital goals. In this photo the India legend can be seen celebrating with group mates after his second objective in the last. He was in fact dropped for the quarters and semis and India had a hard time without him. He was brought back into the group following an outcry.
Always in the spotlight
After the heroics of the 1948 Olympics, Balbir Singh Sr. and co. ended up being over night stars. In addition to skipper Kishan Lal, Balbir Sr was the talk of the town thanks to his performance in the finals. In this photo the entire team together with Balbir Singh can be seen meeting India’s last Guv General C. Rajagopalachari.
When Balbir Singh led independent India to a third successive Olympic gold
Even with the additional duties of captaining the side, Balbir Singh pl