He was the last surviving member of the team.
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Two-time Olympic gold medallist and hockey legend Keshav Datt passed away at the age of 95. He passed away due to age-related ailments. The former hockey star wasn’t keeping well for the last few days. Before the hockey legend is cremated, his body will be kept in Peace Heaven for a few days.
Born in Lahore in 1925, Datt studied at the Government College, in western Punjab city. While training, he had mentors like the legendary Dhyanchand and KD Singh Babu. Datt came into the limelight while representing Punjab in the National Championship before independence. He moved to Calcutta in 1950 after a few years in Bombay after the partition. Datt also represented Mohun Bagan– the most famous Indian club of the time in various sports. He represented Bombay and Bengal in the National Championships as well.
Datt played a very important part when India was continuing its hockey dominance after independence with Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952. He was the last surviving member of the team.
Datt donated the 1948 medal to the National Defence Fund after the Indo-China War.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared her condolence message: “The world of hockey lost one of its true legends today. Saddened at the passing away of Keshav Datt. He was a double Olympic gold medal winner, 1948 and 1952. A champion of India and Bengal. Condolences to his family and friends,” she wrote on Twitter.
