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Part 7 of 10 part series-7/10
Lahore: A Hub of Academics & Sports
(Saurabh Duggal)
Hailing from Ludhiana, Dalip Singh completed his matriculation from the city’s Mission School in 1914. For his higher education, he relocated to Lahore, where he enrolled at Forman Christian College to pursue a BA. He graduated in 1920 and later attended Law College, Lahore.
His time in Lahore provided him with a competitive sports platform. Although the All India Inter-University tournament had not yet commenced, he dominated the athletics scene at Panjab University’s Inter-College Competitions.
During the Pre-Independence era, Panjab University served as a hub for sports, and Dalip Singh emerged as an undisputed champion in events such as the 100, 200 & 440 yards, long jump, and 120 yards hurdles, leading his college to victory in relay races. Additionally, he captained the college cricket team.
Alongside another Panjab University student, Mohammad Sleem (lawn tennis), from Government College, Lahore, Dalip represented India at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Due to the scheduling of events in Paris, Dalip’s long jump event occurred first, earning him the distinction of being the first sportsperson from Panjab University to compete in the Olympics.
“As my grandfather joined the Patiala Army, he relocated to Patiala. However, as Lahore served as the epicenter of education and sports at that time, he sent our father Balkrishan in Lahore for studies in early 1947. However, a few months later, India gained Independence, and due to the Partition, Lahore became part of newly-formed Pakistan. During Partition, Dalip Singh, then a Colonel, was stationed at the border. Thanks to a friend who served as the Inspector General of Police in Lahore, Balkrishan managed to board the last train from Lahore to India,” recounted Hareena. “Before sending my father to FC College, Lahore, Dalip Singh advised him to earn respect in the college as he had done through sports. Unfortunately, due to Partition, Balkrishan couldn’t pursue his studies at FC College. Nevertheless, he lived up to his father's aspirations and not only made a name for himself at Mahindra College Patiala but, like his father Dalip Singh, also brought pride to the nation,” added Intu.
Continued...
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