Jalandhar (Face2News)
Hockey Olympian Jagdev Singh Rai (50) passes away. A deep defender, Jagdev Singh Rai represented India in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Hailing from Khusropur in Jalandhar district, Jagdev had played for Railways and Punjab Police in the domestic circuit besides representing India in several international events, including Asia Cup, Asian Games, Champions Trophy and Olympic Games.
He was admitted to Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, in a critical condition early this week where his end came last evening. Tall and burly, Jagdev also played for India Juniors. In fact, he led India to title triumph in the 1990 Indira Gandhi Gold Cup in Lucknow. Jagdev Singh also played in the Olympic Qualifier in Auckland in 1991.A languishing knee injury forced him to retire from international hockey early.
His father, Piara Singh, played for Indian Navy.Khusropur is one of several Jalandhar villages that served as hockey nurseries. Besides Sansarpur and Mthapur, Khusropur produced some eminent hockey players, including Olympians; Colonel Haripal Kaushik also belonged to Khusropur.
Jagdev Singh Rai who later left Railways to join Punjab police He was a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
His untimely death was condoled by his Olympic coaches Gurdial Singh Bhangu and Sukhvir Singh Grewal besides other Olympians and internationals, including Hardeep Grewal, Jagdeep Singh Gill, Pargat Singh,Sukhjeet Singh, Harpreet Singh and Jagbir Singh.