'Role models such as him come very rarely', Twitter pays homage to hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr on his demise

India’s three-time Olympic gold medal-winning hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr passed away at 95, on Monday. Balbir Sr, one of the country’s most accomplished hockey players, had been facing multiple health issues for over two weeks. He was in a semi-comatose state since 18 May and had developed a blood clot in his brain after being first admitted to the hospital for bronchial pneumonia with high fever. Balbir Sr was hospitalised after experiencing high fever and suffered three cardiac arrests during the course of his treatment. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, and some of the country’s prominent sports personalities took to Twitter to pay homage to the hockey legend. Here are a few reactions:

Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr. Ji will be remembered for his memorable sporting performances. He brought home lots of pride and laurels. Undoubtedly a brilliant hockey player, he also made a mark as a great mentor. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and well wishers.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2020

Pained to learn about the demise of Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr ji, a legendary hockey player, who left indelible imprint on world hockey with his stick.

I was fortunate to have met the lively and joyful Balbir ji, a three time Olympic gold medalist. My condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/rgQFi3yB8V

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 25, 2020

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Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of India's legendary Hockey Player — Balbir Singh Sr. He was part of India's gold medal winning team at 1948 London, 1952 Helsinki & 1956 Melbourne Olympics. I pay my heartfelt tribute and pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul🙏🏑 pic.twitter.com/hknd1G5DFz

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 25, 2020

Saddened to hear about the passing of the legend, Balbir Singh Sr. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of sorrow. 🙏🏼 @BalbirSenior

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 25, 2020

#BalBirSingh ji- A True Giant and a half in his field. Hockey legend out and out. Condolences 🙏 #BalbirSinghSenior pic.twitter.com/4xClWGmhkT

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 25, 2020

Saddened to hear about the demise of hockey legend #BalbirSingh ji. Have had the good fortune of meeting him in the past, such an amazing personality! My heartfelt condolences to his family 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/knjOq7VEav

— Jolly Mishra - Asli Jolly from Kanpur (@akshaykumar) May 25, 2020

Saddened to hear of the demise of one of India's most celebrated Olympians, Balbir Singh Sr. Athletes and role models such as him come very rarely, and it was an honour to know him, and I hope his example will continue to inspire athletes from around the world!

— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) May 25, 2020

My deepest condolences to the family of the legend Balbir Singh ji. I have come close to meeting him so many times but always missed it. I was a big fan and was hoping to get a picture with him one day. Sadly he now resides in our memories only. Till we meet again. @BalbirSenior

— Heena SIDHU (@HeenaSidhu10) May 25, 2020

Sad to hear demise of legendary hockey player Sh. Balbir Singh Senior. He was 3 times Olympic Gold Medalist. As a sport person i will always be proud of him. Om Shanti! #BalbirSinghSenior #balbirsingh pic.twitter.com/vEnunGoOVO

— Divya Singh (दिव्या सिंह )🇮🇳 (@Divyasingh04) May 25, 2020

Saddened to learn about the demise of legendary hockey player and 3 time Olympic gold medalist Balbir Singh Sr ji.

My Deepest condolences to his loved ones and his family. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/1R2eB6OJgg

— Varun Puri (@varunpuri1984) May 25, 2020

I was rather shocked to hear the news of legendary Olympian Balbir Singh Sr untimely demise. My heart felt condolences to his family. I pray that the almighty gives his family the strength to withstand this tragic moment. May his soul rest in peace. #RIP pic.twitter.com/ynp8LXG1UV

— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) May 25, 2020

Very sad to hear of the demise of legendary Olympian Balbir Singh Sr, 3 time Olympic gold medallist. This was from my last meeting with him at Delhi. He was always smiling, so mentally alert and such a thorough gentleman. What a fine role model 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/Sn1wlgdEss

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) May 25, 2020

With inputs from PTI