Datt had donned the national jersey in the 1948 London Games, where India won the first gold post
Representational image. Reuters
New Delhi: Two-time Olympic gold medallist in hockey, Keshav Datt, passed away 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 mourn the loss of the former Indian Hockey player and two-time Gold Medallist at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics, Keshav Datt. ????
May his soul rest in peace. #IndiaKaGame #RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/7EV8nWzZyv
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 7, 2021
“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.
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.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 7, 2021
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.
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