Hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr continues to be on ventilator, condition stable

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Hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior, who has been admitted since last week at the Fortis Mohali, continues to be ventilator assistance. However, he has not suffered from any more cardiac arrests since Thursday and his condition is stabilising.

"No further cardiac events since last update. His condition is stabilising, but continues to be on ventilator assistance. He still hasn't regained consciousness," his grandson Kabir said in a statement on Saturday.

Kabir also said that doctors are continuously assessing the condition of the triple Olympic gold medallist and that further statements will be issued as and when change in condition happens.

Since Tuesday, Balbir Singh has suffered from three cardiac arrests (two on Wednesday and one a day before).

The 96-year-old was hospitalised on May 8 with high fever and breathing trouble. But, his COVID-19 test came negative.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had also wished the legend a speedy recovery.

"Saddened to know that Balbir Singh Senior Ji had a heart attack today and is in ICU now in a critical state. Praying for your speedy recovery, sir," Amarinder had tweeted on Tuesday.

Balbir was part of the Indian teams that won gold at the 1948 London Olympics, Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956. His record for most individual goals scored in an Olympic men's hockey final remains unbeaten. Balbir had set this record when he scored five goals in India's 6-1 win over Netherlands in the gold medal match of the 1952 Games.

He was the head coach of the Indian team for the 1975 men's World Cup, which India won and the 1971 men's World Cup, where India earned a bronze medal. He was also conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri in 1957.