Olympic gold-winning hockey legend Keshav Datt dies

New Delhi, Jul 07 (PTI): Two-time Olympic gold medal-winning hockey legend Keshav Datt died on Wednesday due to age-related ailments, marking the end of a glorious era in the sport.
Datt was 95 and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, all of whom are settled abroad.
The former centre halfback died around 12.30 am at his residence in Santoshpur, Kolkata where he was living alone.
Born on December 29, 1925 in Lahore, Datt was a part of India’s golden era in hockey after making Kolkata his home following the partition.
A formidable half-back, he was part of India’s historic feat at the 1948 Olympics where the country beat home team Britain 4-0 at the Wembley Stadium in London to win the first gold post Independence.
Before the 1948 Olympics, Datt toured East Africa under the leadership of the iconic Major Dhyan Chand in 1947. Datt was also a part of the Indian team at the 1952 Helsinki Games, where they beat Netherlands 6-1 in the summit clash to become the Olympic champions for the fifth consecutive time.
“We are all very saddened to hear about the legendary halfback Keshav Datt’s demise early this morning.
“He was the lone surviving member of the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games and today truly feels like the end of an era,” said Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam in a statement.
“We all grew up listening to incredible stories of their memorable outings for independent India at the Olympics and they went on to inspire generations of hockey players in the country.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also offered her condolences.
“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,” Banerjee tweeted.
An integral part of the Indian team, Datt also captained the Mohun Bagan hockey squad from 1951-1953 and again between 1957 and 1958.