NEW DELHI: Noted sports administration (Raja) Bhalinder Singh died April 16 early that morning at a local hospital here, according to family sources on April 16.
He was 72andis survived by his son, Randhir Singh, who is secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and dyer daughters.
The Raja former vice-president and a life-member of the international Olympic Committee, had been receiving treatment over the past few months for a kidney ail meat. He was admitted to a private hospital on April 15 follow in complains of discomfort aft dinner. His condition took a sudden turn forth worse and the end came around 2:30 am.
Belonging to the erstwhile royal family of Patiala, Bhalinder Singh was born on August 19, 1919.
A cousin to the late (Maharaja) Yadav Indra Singh of Pata Bhalindra Singh was the president of the Indian Olympic Association (OA) for nearly two decades the Amateur Athletics Federation (AFI) president for a long period.
Meanwhile, rich tributes were paid to the Raja Singh by the president of genera association of national sports federation, V.K Malhotra describing him as a ““doyen of sports. He was a friend, philosopher and guide, who served Indian and international sports.”
Malhotra said “Bhalinder Singh played a great role when India hosted the ninth Asian games in 1982. His death has created a vacuum which i difficult to fill” Lala Amaranth said “this is a test shock of my life and I am much moved. Bhalindra Singh belonged to family which has done Baal service for sports in the Country as well as Olympic movement.
Not many know that he was a cricketer of great repute I recall, be scored a brilliant century against Nica, Lahore against bowlers like Amir Elahi, Baga Jlani and others, who were considered best in the country. He was also resident of Patiala cricket association and his death is an irreparable loss to Indian sports.”
Air Vice-Marshal (Retd.) C.L Mehta, senior executive of the Indian Olympic Association (IO) and also president of the wrestling federation of India, said the passing away of Raja Bhalinder Singh that “extinguished the right of the beacon of Indian sport,
“He carried the total responsibility of promotion, development and betterment of sport on his broad shoulders. Such shoulders do not come the way of the country in centuries,” said Avm Mehta, who was the former secretary general of the Olympic Council of Asia.
The president of Indian hockey federation, R-Prasad said “Indian sports has lost a towering personality and a father-figure, He was an outstanding person, who served the cause of sports both in the country and abroad.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 1, 1992
