Balbir Singh Sr, one of India's greatest hockey players who won three Olympic gold medals died at a hospital in Mohali on Monday

Chandigarh: Balbir Singh Sr, one of India's greatest hockey players who won three Olympic gold medals died at a hospital in Mohali on Monday after battling multiple health issues for over two weeks.

He was 96 and is survived by his daughter Sushbir and three sons Kanwalbir, Karanbir, and Gurbir. His sons are settled in Canada and he lived here with his daughter and grandson Kabir.

Balbir Singh Sr"He died at 6:17 am this morning," Abhijit Singh, Director Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where he was admitted since May 8 said in a statement.

His maternal grandson Kabir later sent out a message stating, "Nanaji passed away this morning."

Singh suffered three cardiac arrests during the course of his treatment.

His world record for most goals scored by an individual in the men's hockey final of the Olympics still remains unbeaten.

Balbir Singh SrSingh's three Olympic gold medals came in London (1948), Helsinki (1952) as vice-captain, and Melbourne (1956) as captain.

It was the fourth time in the past two years that the former captain and coach was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

In January last year, Singh spent more than three months in hospital because of bronchial pneumonia.

The Punjab government had honoured Singh with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award last year for his contribution to sports.