Prime Miniter of India, Dr. Man Mohan Singh released the 'Golden Yardstick: In quest of hockey excellence', written by the 84-year old Padamshree Balbir Singh, affectionately called Balbir Sr., here in New Delhi at his residence.
On 2nd June evening, Prime Minister's sprawling residential complex witnessed the simple but very impressive 45-minute one-one-to interactive function.
This is the legendary player's second book after 'Golden Hattrick: My Hockey Days' which he wrote in the late 70s. When that book was brought out both MS Gill and Blbir were working in the Sports Department of Punjab Government.
About the Golden Yardstick: In Quest of Hockey Excellence'.
Hockey players showcase their skills on exotic flat green turf to entertain the spectators. This book is an iconic player's treatise on assessment and development of those captivating skills, based on his association with the game for over five decades. The test outlined in the work, aim at perfection to achieve excellence at every level. With an eye on details, the author uses his vast experience as a successful player, coach, manager and administrator to bring the best in him to educate and train prospective players. Each of the twenty chapters deals with specific skills their governing rules, with easy but effective drills to acquire them. They are both traditional as well as innovative; told in a simple way with the assistance of numerous diagrams. Besides basic skills, the contours of physical fitness and mental toughness are also adequately outlined. Hockey lacks a yardstick that could measure the fundamental skills of a player, which this labour of loves to address.
'As an Olympian I am particularly pleased to write the preface….the Olympic Movement is grateful to him and to the outstanding athletes around the world who, like Balbir Singh, have made a difference and shaped the history of sport in the 20th century'.
Ashwini Kumar, former vice-president, IOC and Indian Hockey Federation, said in his appreciative foreword: 'A book authored by him may give hockey the kick-start that the game needs, to make a new beginning'.
In his message KPS Gill, former president IHF, hails the book 'as an extraordinary work, unique in the limited literature on hockey in India'.
User-friendly text, Hardbound, A-4 Size, fully colour, glossy art paper, 170 pages, 100 images (vintage and contemporary) and 90 diagrams.
Born in October 1924, Balbir Singh Sr. rose to fame at the 1948 Olympic Games where he spearheaded India's attack. He went on to win gold at Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956) Olympics as well. Till date he continues to remain closely associated with the game, He was also former Director of Sports, Punjab.