I too deserve Bharat Ratna, hope to get it in lifetime: Balbir

With Major Dhyan Chand's name finally being nominated for the Bharat Ratna, another hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr feels going by his achievements he too deserves the country's highest civilian award and hopes to get the recognition in his lifetime.
Balbir, 90 and a three-time Olympic gold medallist, looks back with satisfaction at his long tryst with the game but feels he has not got the honour he deserves.
The gentle and soft-spoken Balbir, who has only got Padma Shri for his efforts, said it does hurt to get the snub but "awards and rewards are prerogative of the government".

"If my records and achievements as a player, as a captain, as a coach, as a manager and as an administrator are taken into account, then one should get (Bharat Ratna). But I want to state here that it is either up to God or the prerogative of the government," Balbir told PTI.
"I hope to get (the highest award) and that too in my lifetime," he added.
Balbir said all his life he has followed the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh and often the words of Lord Krishna echo in his ears that 'one should perform his duties, without desiring for results'.

Widely regarded as world's greatest centre forward, Balbir got emotional while recollecting the words of one of his friend Ram Swarup.
"He used to tell me that it is not satya yuga (era of truth), but kalyug (era of vice). Nobody appreciates your achievements unless you blow your own trumpet. But honestly, I don't know how to blow one's own trumpet," he said.
While Balbir expressed his grief for the lack of recognition for his work, his family was more vocal and said the former captain deserves the Bharat Ratna more than an other sportsperson.