Two-time Olympic medallist and Hockey legend RS Bhola passes away

New Delhi, Jan 22: Hockey Legend Group Captain Raghbir Singh Bhola passed away peacefully on Monday (January 21) at the age of 92 years. The Arjuna Awardee hockey player and an Indian Air Force veteran represented India in two Olympics.

Group Captain Raghbir Singh Bhola joined the Indian Air Force as an Aeronautical Engineer in 1952 after completing his Electrical Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering and served in the IAF for 26 years. He successfully captained the IAF Hockey and Services Hockey Team from 1954-60 and won the Inter-Services Hockey Championship three times and the National Hockey Championship on two occasions.

With heavy heart @ioaindia express condolences on the passing of Hockey legend R. S. Bhola. Two time #Olympic medallist, Arjuna awardee and a passionate field hockey player, R. S. Bhola breathed his last today. Our thoughts and prayers to family and friends. #RIP pic.twitter.com/gWwScUeJxW

— Team India (@ioaindia) January 22, 2019

In 1962, Raghbir Singh was selected by the Indian Air Force to undergo a two-year post
graduation course in Electrical Engineering at the College of Aeronautics, Cranfield University, UK.
He was part of the Men's Indian Hockey Team and represented India in the 1956 & 1960 Olympics winning a Gold and Silver Medal for the country.

Hockey India sends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Indian Hockey legend, Mr. Raghbir Singh Bhola, who passed away on 21st January 2019. pic.twitter.com/qoCa8jdqKz

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 22, 2019

His dedication and passion for Field Hockey continued in various aspects throughout his life and he served in diverse roles such as a member of the IHF selection committee, FIH international umpire, Manager of the Indian Hockey team, TV Commentator and Government Observer at the Olympic Games.

In 2000 Bhola was awarded the Arjuna Award for his lifetime achievements in Field Hockey, a game he was very passionate about till his last days. Ragbhir Singh Bhola is survived by his wife Mrs Kamla Bhola, three daughters and three grandsons.

Source: Media Release