Hockey India on Wednesday paid a glowing tribute to Kunwar Digvijay Singh, fondly remembered as ‘Babu’, the maestro who upheld India’s golden hockey tradition and carried forward the brilliance once personified by Major Dhyan Chand.
Born in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, in 1922, KD Singh emerged as one of the most elegant and visionary players in Indian hockey history. Celebrated for his deft stickwork, tactical intelligence and unmatched passing, Singh was often hailed as the natural successor to Dhyan Chand.
He began his journey at the college level in Lucknow before representing Uttar Pradesh in the Nationals, where his dribbling artistry drew attention across the country. During India’s East Africa tour in 1947, Singh famously outscored Dhyan Chand by netting 70 goals, an early sign of his prolific form and attacking flair.
His Olympic debut came the following year as vice-captain at the 1948 London Games, where he played a pivotal role in India’s 4-0 victory over Great Britain in the final at Wembley, a historic triumph that marked independent India’s first Olympic gold medal.
Four years later, KD Singh led the national team to another gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, steering India to a commanding 6-1 win over the Netherlands in the final. Despite nursing injuries before the tournament, Singh’s leadership and tactical acumen ensured India’s continued dominance on the global stage.
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For his contributions, Singh was conferred the Helms Trophy in 1953, awarded to him as the world’s best hockey player in 1952 and Asia’s best sportsman the following year. He was the first Indian to receive this coveted honour. In 1958, he was also bestowed with the Padma Shri.
After retiring from active play, Singh continued to serve Indian hockey as a coach. As chief coach, he guided the national team to a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Passionate about nurturing young talent, he founded sports hostels in Lucknow and Meerut, organised rural tournaments, and ensured young athletes had access to training, food and shelter.
“Hockey India fondly remembers Kunwar Digvijay Singh ‘Babu’, one of the most graceful and gifted players who carried forward India’s golden legacy,” the federation said in a statement.
Hockey India added that in the coming days, it would share more nostalgic stories celebrating the icons who built India’s hockey dominance over the past century.
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