Hockey legend Keshav Datt passes away
New Delhi: Two-time Olympic gold medallist in hockey, Keshav Datt, died on Wednesday due to age-related ailments. Datt was 95. The former centre halfback died around 12.30 am at his residence in Santoshpur, Kolkata.
Datt had donned the national jersey in the 1948 London Games, where India won the first gold post Independence, and the former centre halfback won his second Olympic gold in Helsinki 1952.
"We are all very sadden 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.
"Hockey India mourns his demise and on behalf of the Federation I extend my deepest condolences to his family."
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 in 1957-1958.
As a Mohun Bagan player he won the hockey league six times and Beighton Cup three times in a span of 10 years.
He was conferred with the Mohun Bagan Ratna award in 2019, becoming the first non-footballer recipient of the honour.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Suryakumar's half-century, Hardik's five-for in vain as LSG defeat MI by 12 runs
Lucknow, Apr 4 (PTI): Suryakumar Yadav's fighting half-century went in vain as Lucknow Super Giants defeated Mumbai Indians by 12 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Friday.
Batting first, LSG, riding on half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh (60 off 31 balls) and Aiden Markram (53 off 38 balls), scored 203/8 despite MI skipper Hardik Pandya (5/36) taking his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket.
In reply, MI were restricted to 191 for five despite Suryakumar scoring a 43-ball 67, studded with nine boundaries and a six.
Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan and Digvesh Rathi took a wicket each for LSG.
Former MI skipper Rohit Sharma sat out of the contest after being hit on the knee during nets.
Brief scores:
Lucknow Super Giants: 203 for 8 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 60, Aiden Markram 53, Ayush Badoni 30, David Miller 27; Hardik Pandya 5/36).
Mumbai Indians: 191 for 5 in 20 overs (Naman Dhir 46, Suryakumar Yadav 67, Tilak Varma 25, Hardik Pandya 28 not out).
