It gives me great pleasure and honour to speak about an unsung hero and a forgotten legend. Mr. Balbir Singh has won three Olympic gold medals in field hockey — the first, in 1948, in London, winning India’s first gold medal as a sovereign nation. He won the second gold in Helsinki. He led his team in scoring, including setting an Olympic Guinness record in the final when he scored five goals. That record stands to this day. Then again in 1956, in Melbourne, he won his third gold medal when he led his team. He scored 22 goals over three Olympic games.

Mr. Singh was the only chief coach and manager to lead India to a World Cup victory in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur. In 2012, he was named one of 16 iconic Olympians by the International Olympic Committee, along with Jesse Owens and Australian track and field star Cathy Freeman. He was the only South Asian and field hockey player on that list.

Mr. Balbir Singh is 92 years young. Today he’s joined by a great author, Patrick Blennerhassett. Patrick has written a very invigorating book about Mr. Singh called A Forgotten Legend. This book will be launched on March 5 at 2 p.m. at the SFU Surrey campus. Mr. Singh will also be there, speaking at that event. Mr. Balbir Singh lives in Burnaby with his son Ringo Dosanjh and his family. I salute you, sir. You have made us proud. I wish you a very joyous and happy life.