Joseph Galibardy, Indian oldest hockey Olympian passes away: Hockey News
The hockey legend, who assured the gold medal for India in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, namely Joseph ‘Joe’ Deville Thomas Galibardy passed away on May 17, 2011. The fabled hockey star and the last player of the 1936 Berlin Olympics’ squad, kicked the bucket
at the age of 96 in Walthamstow, England. The funeral ceremony of the legendary hockey star will be held on May 31, 2011 at the St. Georges Church in Walthamstow.
Galibardy, one of the best five Anglo Indian players in the history of hockey, contested the 1936 Berlin Olympics under the captaincy of Dhyan Chand and donned the colours for India in the mega event. The Indians were at their best at that time, as they
clinched the title by defeating Germany by seven goals, 8-1. It was the third title out of six which they won regularly.
Thomas Galibardy, the number fourth child came into this world on January 10, 1915 in Calcutta, city of India. In 1956, he moved to England along with his family including seven children and parents where they stayed in Walthamstow until his death.
Galibardy made his debut in hockey by representing the Bengal-Nagpur Railway team as a left-side player and impressed the selectors of the national hockey team.
In the last interview with a popular English magazine, the legendary player was of the opinion that they had lot of memories in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. However, the meeting with Jesse Owens was an unforgettable incident. Owens was the Black American participant,
who captured four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics games.
Explaining the situation, he stated that he had interests in athletics and used to watch the practice session of the Americans, as their dwelling was next to Indian in the Olympic Village. It was Owens, who assured them a gold medal victory for India.
After moving to England along with his family in 1956 through an Italian SS Suriento ship, he had worked for the Royal Mail and British Mail. Despite having Olympics victory, he had not resumed hockey activities in England.
Meanwhile, the coaching academy established by Rajesh Chauhan has been started providing services youngsters to enhance their hockey skills. KPS Gill – the former President of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) inaugurated the hockey academy namely ‘Jai
Bharat Hockey Academy’ at the Mata Sukhdevi Senior Secondary School in Nangli Poona, New Delhi.
Former hockey stars including MK Kaushik and Mamta Kharab were also present on the occasion. It is vital to mention here that some 80 youngsters are learning hockey in the Academy. Chauhan at the occasion stated that this will be utmost step in the sport
that would further boost up the hockey level in the country.
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