Harpal singh

Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior: Hockey India extended its warmest congratulations to veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh and Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita on being conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award, recognising their outstanding contributions to Indian hockey and sport at large.

Hockey India underscored the contribution of veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh, who was the force behind establishing Shahabad Markanda, a hamlet in Haryana, as the nursey for women’s hockey. Under Baldev’s watchful eyes, the hockey academy in Shahabad created more than 80 international hockey players, including eight players who went on to captain the Indian team.

His tutelage not only helped players in their formative days as hockey players, but he also contributed towards lifting the players from poverty to fame, making hockey their livelihood and one of the biggest examples of this is the rise of former India captain Rani.