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Part 8 of 10 part series- 8/10
The legend: Brigadier Dalip Singh, was a true sportsperson on and off the field
(Saurabh Duggal)
“Being a sportsperson and army personnel, Baba ji (Dalip Singh) commanded a lot of respect, and people trusted him implicitly. While stationed at the border during the Partition, he ensured the safe passage of people, especially women and children, moving towards Pakistan. He assisted numerous Muslim families from his area in crossing the border safely,” recalled late Balkrishan’s wife, Baljinder Kaur, Dalip Singh’s daughter-in-law.
“I lost my father when I was a child, so Dalip Singh was a father figure to me, and our relationship was not like that of a father-in-law and daughter-in-law; it was more like that of a father and daughter. I got engaged to Balkrishan while studying at St. Bede’s College and got married a year later. During that time, Baba ji (Dalip Singh) used to write letters to me, informing me about Balkrishan’s hockey achievements and his passion for the sport. This was his way of preparing me to support Balkrishan in his pursuit of hockey after marriage. Just four days after our wedding, Balkrishan went to the 1958 Asian Games, and later he won silver at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Thanks to Baba ji’s guidance, I was able to wholeheartedly support Balkrishan in his love and passion for hockey, even during his coaching career when he was often away from home for months due to coaching assignments,” added Baljinder Kaur.
“During the 1980 Olympics, Balkrishan was away from home for five months. Before the squad's departure, he learned about my severe pneumonia. He opted to stay home, and I told him, 'It’s my sacrifice for hockey. You go and make the team win. If I'm lucky, I'll survive; otherwise, I'll die.' When the victorious team returned, I went to receive him at the airport,” remembered Baljinder Kaur with pride.
Continued...
Click the link to read part 9 - 9/10
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