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dated July 26, 1952: India's Triumph

India won the Olympic Championship on July 24 and thus retained the world title, which had been theirs for the last quarter of a century beating Holland decisively by six goals to one in the finals played at the Helsinki Olympic hockey ground, Velodrome. The match was a personal triumph for Balbir Singh, the Indian centre forward, who scored five goals for his country. The Indian forward line moved in accordance with the carefully prepared plan, which was brilliantly executed by skipper, Babu and centre forward Balbir Singh. Mr. R.Y. Fison, Manager of the British team said: "There is no doubt that India showed their supremacy in the game in the finals."

Excerpts from the Editorial: "India's victory in the final of the Olympic Championship sets the seal on her supremacy in hockey, which has now extended to a quarter of a century. Hockey has developed remarkably since India first gained the Championship in 1928 at Amsterdam, but her players have adapted themselves to the changing conditions. It would be unwise to pretend that there were no grave misgivings in this country regarding the outcome of the event at Helsinki. These appeared to be confirmed when the national representatives sustained a defeat at Madras. There were also indications that Holland and Britain were developing apace while Pakistan, whose methods are naturally those of India, was always a considerable source of danger... . The manner of their victory at Helsinki was emphatic, both their main rivals having been laid low by a convincing margin though not with the ease with which India's opponents were overthrown in the earlier years. More than anything else Helsinki has demonstrated that in Balbir Singh there has appeared a worthy successor to Dhyan Chand. The methods of these two great players are different; while Dhyan Chand's artistry has become proverbial, Balbir Singh's strength lies in his splendid opportunism. This victory in the Olympiad will serve as a tonic for the nation, which has been unduly cast down by the failure of the cricket team. There is every reason for the hope that Indian hockey will proceed to even greater triumphs in the years to come."

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