Former India hockey player and Olympic bronze medalist Balbir Singh Kullar dies

Former India hockey player Balbir Singh Kullar, who was a part of 1968 Olympics bronze-winning team, has died after suffering a heart attack at his home in Punjab. He died on Friday afteron at of 77. Kullar is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters.

'My far was to travel with me to US'

"My far was to travel with me to US but suddenly he had a massive heart attack and he died on Friday afteron at our family home in Sansarpur in Jalandhar district," his son Kamalbir Singh, who is based in US, told PTI on Sunday.  

Kullar's cremation will be conducted on Monday. "His last rites will be done on Monday because my son and his grandson just arrived from US. One of my elder sisters is based in Canada and or is in US, y also arrived on Sunday," he added.

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Born at Sansarpur vill of Jalandhar district in Punjab, Kullar made his India debut in 1963 in Lyon in France. He gained a reputation as an inside forward in Indian team and toured several countries like Belgium, England, Nerlands, New Zealand and  West Germany.

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He was also a member of Indian team that won Asian Games gold in 1966 (Bangkok) and Olympic Bronze in 1968 (Mexico). Balbir was also part of gold medal-winning Indian team in 1966 Bangkok Asian Games. 

Hockey India condoled death of Kullar, who also served as an Indian national team selector. "We are deeply saddened by demise of our former hockey player and ... Olympic medallist, Balbir Singh Kullar," Hockey India said on its official Twitter handle.

"We send out our heartfelt condolences to his family. On behalf of Hockey India, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Balbir Singh Kullar's family and friends at this time of grief." 

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