<p>Balbir Singh Sr's death evoked emotional tributes from Pakistan's hockey community, which described the legendary centre-forward's demise as a big loss to the sport in general and the subcontinent in particular.</p>.<p>The 96-year-old three-time Olympic gold-medallist, considered one of the best centre-forwards of all time, died on Monday in Mohali.</p>.<p>"He had amazing flexibility, speed and litheness in his game. His sprints were a treat to watch," former Pakistan captain Samiullah said.</p>.<p>Samiullah was nicknamed the "The Flying Horse" for his speed and won three Asian Games and one World Cup gold during his career.</p>.<p>"Hockey has lost a big name as Balbir Singh was someone who enabled India to win three consecutive gold medals in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics because of his outstanding game," Samiullah added.</p>.<p>The Secretary-General of the Pakistan Hockey Federation Asif Bajwa also condoled the death of Singh and said he was one of the greatest.</p>.<p>"Never saw him play but we heard so much about him from our seniors that it is clear he was a striker in a different class," Bajwa said.</p>.<p>Former Pakistan captain and coach, Hasan Sardar, an outstanding centre-forward himself, said he took a lot of inspiration by hearing stories and anecdotes about Singh.</p>.<p>Islahuddin Siddiqui, one of the big names of Pakistan hockey, recalled meeting Singh several times in the '70s and '80s in international events.</p>.<p>"He was a very polite and humble person and had great knowledge of the game. He was also willing to share his experience if you approached him," he said.</p>.<p>Singh was the manager of the Indian team which defeated Pakistan in the 1975 World Cup final.</p>.<p>Islahuddin said it was people like Singh who made it possible for the subcontinent to dominate world hockey. </p>
<p>Balbir Singh Sr's death evoked emotional tributes from Pakistan's hockey community, which described the legendary centre-forward's demise as a big loss to the sport in general and the subcontinent in particular.</p>.<p>The 96-year-old three-time Olympic gold-medallist, considered one of the best centre-forwards of all time, died on Monday in Mohali.</p>.<p>"He had amazing flexibility, speed and litheness in his game. His sprints were a treat to watch," former Pakistan captain Samiullah said.</p>.<p>Samiullah was nicknamed the "The Flying Horse" for his speed and won three Asian Games and one World Cup gold during his career.</p>.<p>"Hockey has lost a big name as Balbir Singh was someone who enabled India to win three consecutive gold medals in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics because of his outstanding game," Samiullah added.</p>.<p>The Secretary-General of the Pakistan Hockey Federation Asif Bajwa also condoled the death of Singh and said he was one of the greatest.</p>.<p>"Never saw him play but we heard so much about him from our seniors that it is clear he was a striker in a different class," Bajwa said.</p>.<p>Former Pakistan captain and coach, Hasan Sardar, an outstanding centre-forward himself, said he took a lot of inspiration by hearing stories and anecdotes about Singh.</p>.<p>Islahuddin Siddiqui, one of the big names of Pakistan hockey, recalled meeting Singh several times in the '70s and '80s in international events.</p>.<p>"He was a very polite and humble person and had great knowledge of the game. He was also willing to share his experience if you approached him," he said.</p>.<p>Singh was the manager of the Indian team which defeated Pakistan in the 1975 World Cup final.</p>.<p>Islahuddin said it was people like Singh who made it possible for the subcontinent to dominate world hockey. </p>