New Delhi [India], April 7 (ANI): “It was a real surprise for me, shocking and a pleasant one.” Those have been the phrases from the Indian hockey legend Gurbux Singh, as he reminisced concerning the second he was introduced with the distinguished Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award on the fifth Hockey India Annual Awards 2022 held final month in New Delhi.
The two-time Olympic medallist shared the sensation of successful the lifetime achievement award and spoke on quite a lot of subjects together with the latest developments within the Indian hockey home construction in an official assertion launched by Hockey India.
“I am 88 today and whatever I have been able to do for hockey, I’ve always enjoyed it. Even to this day, at this stage, I become part of it in whatever small way possible. In my 65 years of hockey life, I’ve enjoyed doing everything and I take great pride in doing this. I’ve been a player, a coach, an international hockey umpire, manager, I’ve been secretary of the Bengal Hockey Association for 18 years as well, so everything I’ve done in hockey, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve devoted my whole life to hockey and I thank Hockey India for recognising me,” Gurbux stated in an official assertion launched by Hockey India.
The former India captain has obtained quite a few accolades and awards all through his profession. He has two Olympic medals (Gold on the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and Bronze on the 1968 Mexico Olympics) and an Asian Games Gold to his identify. He was additionally conferred with the Arjuna Award for his contribution to the sector of hockey.
When requested concerning the significance of Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award 2022, Gurbux acknowledged, “Of course, Olympic Gold medal, Asian Games Gold medal, they are the best and whatever an athlete can achieve in their life, but when you are recognised for what you have done, by your own fraternity Hockey India, that’s the ultimate thing.””I think one should value it a lot. It brought tears to my eyes, I almost choked while speaking because it was such a wonderful moment for me to go to the podium and speak. If I had known earlier, I would have prepared a speech,” he added.
From launching Grassroots Development Program to introducing the Player of The Match Award for every match and to asserting the streaming partnership for National Championships, Hockey India has not too long ago taken up a number of initiatives to carry the profile of the game within the home circuit.
Sharing his views on the latest initiatives taken up by Hockey India, the Indian hockey stalwart stated, “It’s a step in the right direction. The rivalry between the state teams was very crucial at that time (when I used to play), so I think the National Championships of that level are important for the sport. I think it will make a lot of difference and I’ve also heard the Hockey India President talk about making the grassroots stronger, and I think he is on the right track and I am sure Hockey India will be able to do that,” he added. (ANI)