Padmashree Prithipal Singh - Sikhs The Supreme

S. Prithipal Singh had the distinction of being the highest scorer (hockey) in the world throughout the Olympics viz. Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964) and Mexico (1968) and won a gold, a silver and a bronze. He remained at the helm of affairs in the world of hockey and maintained these honours throughout three Olympics. In Rome Olympics-1960, he scored 11 out of 22 goals and was adjudged as BEST full back in the world in hockey. At that time he was famous as Penalty Corner King in the media. In 1967 he was made Captain of Indian Hockey Team. In his captaincy the Indian team toured Uganda and brought medal from Mexico Olympics. He also played a major role in bringing gold to India in 1960 Bangkok Games.

s. It was due to him that India could keep the tricolor flying in three Olympics in hockey. The presence of Prithipal in the field always spelt terror for the opposing team members, The Mighty Sikhs / 188 many of whom frisked away on one pretext or the other. It was then well known about Pakistani hockey players that they could face any player except Prithipal Singh. His hits were so forceful that many a times the defending goalkeepers used to turn their face away to avoid being hurt. It were his forceful hits which made the record not only of tearing hockey nets but also compelled the sport authorities to alter the short corner rules.

Born on January 28, 1932 in Nankana Sahib, Distt. Shekhupura, Pakistan, Prithipal passed high school in 1947 with 69.2% marks. After partition he joined Agriculture College, Ludhiana wherein he won the college colours and roll of honour award and was made captain of the hockey team of the college in 1953-54.

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