Moscow Olympics hockey champion Ravinder Pal Singh dies of COVID
Ravinder Pal Singh played centre-half in the Indian hockey team that won gold at Moscow 1980. He also represented India at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.
Former Indian hockey player Ravinder Pal Singh, a member of the team that won the gold medal at the Moscow 1980 Olympics, died on Saturday due to COVID-19 related complications. He was 62.
Ravinder Pal Singh was admitted to a hospital in Lucknow on April 24 after contracting the novel coronavirus. He tested negative on Thursday and was shifted to a general ward. But Ravinder’s condition took a turn for the worse on Friday.
A two-time Olympian, Ravinder Pal Singh also represented India at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. The centre-half also featured in the 1980 and 1983 Champions Trophy and the World Cup and Asia Cup in 1982. His international career spanned from 1979 to 1984.
“Shocked to hear about the passing away of Ravinder Pal Singh sir,” former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay said on his Twitter page. “A 1980 Moscow Olympics hero, he will forever be remembered for his invaluable contribution to hockey as a finest player.”
Born in Sitapur, Ravinder Pal Singh remained single and is survived by a niece.
The gold at the 1980 Olympics remains India’s last medal won in hockey.
Meanwhile, another member of the gold-winning team, MK Kaushik, is battling with COVID. In a hospital in New Delhi since April 24, his condition has deteriorated and is critical. Kaushik is under observation.