The Autobiography of Balbir Singh (Senior)
By Samuel Banerjee, Vikas Publishers, 1977
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Pre-Final Jitters |
Coach Harbail Singh saw to it that each player went to bed
early. He was our father figure, gentle, but firm..
Harbail was a simple God-fearing man. He had with him a picture of Guru Nanak. Twice each day he would seek the blessings of the Almighty. He would conclude his prayers by saying, "Wahe Guru, I have only my country's interest in mind. Bless my team. My only wish is that India win the Gold Medal once again." |
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n the eve
of the final, we were terribly tense. We knew we were not at full strength due
to the injuries to Charles Stephen and myself.
Raghbir Lal, who replaced Charles, was a good right-winger, but not in the same class. Charles had a good physique and could stand the rigours of a tough match. He was capable of going through the defence on his own. Raghbir was quick-tempered, a trait we could ill-afford in any player at this stage.
I had wanted to field Balkrishan Singh as the full-back, but on the eve of the match, he had stomach trouble and could not play. That added to our woes.
Coach Harbail Singh saw to it that each player went to bed early. He was our father figure, gentle, but firm. "This is no time for despair. Be cheerful and have a good rest. God willing, we will win," he told me, before switching off the light in the room.
Harbail was a simple God-fearing man. He had with him a picture of Guru Nanak. Twice each day he would seek the blessings of the Almighty. He would conclude his prayers by saying, "Wahe Guru, I am not keen on any personal promotions. I have only my country's interest in mind. Bless my team. My only wish is that India wins the Gold Medal once again."
I could not sleep that night, and after tossing about restlessly for a while, I went out for a stroll. It was quite late in the night when someone called out my name. Turning, I saw Ashwini Kumar, his face creased with worry.
Ashwini put his arm around my shoulder and guided me to my room. He talked cheerfully, gave me a tablet, made my lie down, and sat next to me. I do not recall when sleep came to me or when Ashwini left the room.
Group Photograph of the 1956 team