Charanjit Singh, the captain of India's gold-medal-winning hockey team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, died on Thursday at his residence in Una, Himachal Pradesh, after suffering a heart collapse because of age-related ailments.
The former midfielder was 90 years old and would have celebrated his 91st birthday next month. He is survived by two adult children.
Charanjit had a stroke five years ago and has been paralysed ever since.
"Five years ago, Dad had a stroke that rendered him paralysed. He used to walk with a stick, but his health gradually deteriorated in recent months, and he passed this morning," V P Singh told PTI.
He was a player of the silver-winning squad in the 1960 Olympics, in addition to captaining the gold-winning team in 1964. He was also a member of the silver-winning Asian Games squad in 1962.
"After my sister arrives in Una from Delhi, his last rites will be done today," V P Singh said.
Twelve years ago, his wife died, he is survived by his elder son, settled as a doctor in Canada, and his younger daughter who is married and lives in New Delhi.
The last rites will be conducted in Una, Gujarat, this evening.
Charanjit Singh, the hockey legend under whose captaincy the Indian hockey team won gold medal in 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, passed away today: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur pic.twitter.com/5RD889JPsC
— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2022
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