Hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior remains critical

Indian hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior continues to remain on ventilator assistance after suffering two more cardiac arrests Wednesday.

The triple Olympic gold medalist – he was part of the Indian teams that won gold at the 1948 London Olympics, Helsinki Games 1952 and Melbourne 1956 – was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali last week after being diagnosed with pneumonia. He suffered first cardiac arrest Tuesday.

"Nanaji suffered two more cardiac arrests yesterday morning. His condition has not deteriorated since then but continues to be very critical and on ventilator assistance. He is still in medical ICU. Doctors are continuously assessing his condition," the legendary sportsman's grandson Kabir told India Narrative Thursday afternoon.

The 96-year-old former Olympian had spent many months in Chandigarh's PGIMER hospital last year too after suffering from respiratory issues.

Balbir, who was conferred with Padma Shri in 1957, still holds the world record for scoring most goals – five in India's 6-1 triumph over the Netherlands in '52 Helsinki Games – in an Olympics hockey final.

"Further statements about his condition will be issued as and when information is available," said Kabir..