Keshav Datt, Olympic Gold-Winning Hockey Legend, Dies At 95

Two-time Olympic gold medal-winning hockey legend Keshav Datt died on Wednesday due to age-relevant conditions, marking the close of a glorious era in the activity. Datt was ninety five and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, all of whom are settled overseas. The previous centre halfback died around twelve.30 am at his residence in Santoshpur, Kolkata wherever he was dwelling by yourself. Born on December 29, 1925 in Lahore, Datt was a part of India’s golden era in hockey following producing Kolkata his property subsequent the partition.

A formidable 50 %-back again, he was part of India’s historic feat at the 1948 Olympics wherever the region conquer property staff Britain four- at the Wembley Stadium in London to acquire the very first gold submit Independence.

Ahead of the 1948 Olympics, Datt toured East Africa under the management of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand in 1947.

Datt was also a part of the Indian staff at the 1952 Helsinki Online games, wherever they conquer Netherlands 6-one in the summit clash to develop into the Olympic champions for the fifth consecutive time.

“We are all quite saddened to listen to about the famous halfback Keshav Datt’s demise early this early morning.

“He was the lone surviving member of the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Online games and right now really feels like the close of an era,” mentioned Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam in a statement.

“We all grew up listening to incredible tales of their memorable outings for independent India at the Olympics and they went on to encourage generations of hockey gamers in the region.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also made available her condolences.

The environment of hockey misplaced one particular of its true legends right now. Saddened at the passing away of Keshav Datt. He was a double Olympic gold medal winner, 1948 and 1952. A champion of India and Bengal. Condolences to his spouse and children and good friends.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July seven, 2021

“The environment of hockey misplaced one particular of its true legends right now. Saddened at the passing away of Keshav Datt. He was a double Olympic gold medal winner, 1948 and 1952. A champion of India and Bengal. Condolences to his spouse and children and good friends,” Banerjee tweeted.

An integral part of the Indian staff, Datt also captained the Mohun Bagan hockey squad from 1951-1953 and yet again involving 1957 and 1958.

As a Mohun Bagan player he won the hockey league 6 occasions and Beighton Cup 3 occasions in a span of 10 several years.

He was conferred with the Mohun Bagan Ratna award in 2019, turning out to be the very first non-footballer receiver of the honour.

“SAI mourns the passing away of Keshav Datt, a member of India”s 1948 and 1952 @Olympics gold medalist men’s hockey teams,” the Athletics Authority of India tweeted.

“His contribution to the great legacy of Indian hockey will be remembered eternally. Condolences to his spouse and children and the hockey fraternity.”

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Tennis star Leander Paes, whose father Dr Vece Paes is a previous hockey Olympian, also condoled the demise of Datt, whom he understood personally.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Keshav. A quite dear spouse and children buddy and a hero I looked up to growing up. He generally encouraged me. My deepest condolences to his spouse and children!” he posted on Twitter.