Independent india

Raj Angad Singh Bawa: An Olympic medal is an inspiration for a generation, promoting the sport among thousands of youngsters. With a rich history in hockey, the medals won at the Olympics and World Cups, the legacy is an inspiration to youngsters, says Sukhwwinder Bawa, son of Trilochan Singh Bawa, who was a member of the team that won Independent India's first gold medal in the 1948 Olympic Games in London.

World over, Indian hockey, for a considerable period of time, has been looked at as the benchmark simply because of the roll of honour. With a tally of 8 gold medals, one silver, and 4 bronze, totalling 13 medals at the Olympic Games, India has well and truly set the standards.

One of the most iconic medals, though, was the one in the 1948 London Olympics, when Independent India’s flag went up and the anthem played out for the first time ever, at the most important sporting event. And someone who played a huge role in securing that medal was Trilochan Singh Bawa, as he scored some very crucial goals during the competition in London. The final in London was played at Wembley Stadium, and it was a symbolic and historic victory, marking India’s emergence as an independent sporting power.