Letters | India’s celebration of sporting heroes has nothing to do with religion

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Balbir Singh Dosanjh Snr in 2016. The Indian hockey legend passed away on May 25 at the age of 95. Photo: Patrick Blennerhassett

Published: 8:10am, 3 Jun 2020Updated: 8:10am, 3 Jun 2020

I write in response to “Worthy of Praise and Greatness” (May 28), honouring the memory of Indian hockey legend Balbir Singh Dosanjh Snr, which included outrageous statements about “India’s Hindu-dominated culture actively ignoring one of its legendary athletes”.

Singh was the first sports personality to be honoured with the Padma Shri award, one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the Indian government, in 1957. In a national poll conducted by a newspaper in 1982, he was named Indian Sportsperson of the Century.

Out of the 17 times that an independent India took part in the Olympics starting from 1948, Sikh captains led the national hockey team eight times.

Balbir Singh scores a goal during the 1948 London Olympics. Photo: Ringo Dosanjh

Besides hockey, one of the most famous Indian sporting legends is ace athlete Milkha Singh, also known as the “Flying Sikh”. He is a living memory for Indian sporting enthusiasts, and a film made on his life was a grand success.

Another great Sikh, the wrestler Dara Singh Randhawa, won many tournaments, and was crowned world champion in 1968. His immense popularity saw him land leading roles in the Bollywood film industry, where he continued working until 2007.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | India’s celebration of sporting heroes has nothing to do with religion

Letters | India’s celebration of sporting heroes has nothing to do with religion