Arjuna Awardee Former Tata Steel Sports Officer Balwinder Singh Passes Away

Jamshedpur: Indian athletics lost one of its most distinguished figures on Monday with the passing of Arjuna Awardee Sardar Balwinder Singh, fondly known as “Baba Dhaliwal.” The former Tata Steel Sports Officer and legendary shot put athlete breathed his last at the age of 68 at Livasa Hospital in Chandigarh after battling lung cancer.

Balwinder Singh earned national acclaim by remaining the national shot put champion for an unprecedented ten consecutive years. His remarkable achievements in the sport were also recorded in the Limca Book of Records.

Dedicated His Life to Nurturing Future Champions

Even after retiring from competitive athletics, Balwinder Singh remained actively involved in sports development. Associated with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and Punjab University, he continued mentoring young athletes through his sports academy in Chandigarh.

Under his guidance, nearly 20 to 25 athletes achieved national and international success, establishing records and bringing laurels to the country.

From Punjab Village to National Sporting Icon

A native of Karala village in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, Balwinder Singh carved a distinguished career through dedication and perseverance. Throughout his athletic journey, he set numerous national and international records, earning recognition as one of India’s finest field event athletes.

Besides sports, he also played an active role in community service and supervised the management of Gurdwara Baba Virsa Singh (Govind Sadan, Delhi Wale) in Chandigarh.

Cremation on June 3, Sehaj Path to Conclude on June 10

According to his son Paramjit Singh, a former national junior shot put champion, the cremation will be held on June 3 at the Sector 25 Burning Ghat in Chandigarh. A Sehaj Path will be organized at the Gurdwara, while the Bhog ceremony is scheduled for June 10.

Balwinder Singh is survived by his wife Hardish Kaur, son Paramjit Singh, and daughters Harman Kaur and Tarandeep Kaur. Harman Kaur is expected to arrive from England on Tuesday to attend the final rites.

Sports Fraternity Mourns the Loss

News of Balwinder Singh’s demise prompted an outpouring of grief from athletes, sports administrators, and community leaders across the country. Several prominent personalities visited the bereaved family in Chandigarh to offer condolences.

International cyclist and General Secretary of the Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib Management Committee, Sardar Inderjit Singh, along with international cyclist Satbir Singh, spoke to the family and described Balwinder Singh’s demise as an irreparable loss to Indian sports.

Condolences were also expressed by international player Ranjit Singh, Central Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee President Bhagwan Singh, Chairman Shailendra Singh, Sakchi Gurdwara Committee President Sardar Nishan Singh, Qaumi Sikh Morcha President Advocate Kulbinder Singh, youth Sikh leader Satbir Singh Somu, and numerous players and officials associated with the Tata Steel Sports Department.