Balwant Singh Sagwal Biography
The Volleyball star Balwant Singh affectionately referred to as 'Ballu' was the leader of the Indian Volleyball team. With many memorable accomplishments in his bag and his personal achievements, he left his impression on the story of Indian Volleyball. Born in a small town called Kaul located in Haryana, Sagwal won hearts across the country.
Ramana Rao(Director, FIVB Regional Development Centre) was his former teammate in an interview, recalled, "Ballu was an outstanding player for India and could be described as an elite attacker. He was a competitor to the end of the earth."
A look at the Making of Volleyball player Balwant Singh Sagwal
Balwant Singh Sagwal, aka Ballu was a tall, clumsy and tense boy during his childhood. Physically, he was 6 feet, 6 inches high (1.98 millimeters) with equally large feet and hands. Being from a financially unstable background, he joined with the Border Security Force (BSF) in Jalandhar, Punjab.
BSF has always enjoyed the reputation of producing high-quality volleyball players. Balwant Singh was no exception.
In the 1960s and the 1970s, 'Ballu' was the main reason behind aiding his team of state Punjab reach national glory. He was awarded the highest honour in Indian sports that is the Arjuna Award, for his contributions to the game, outstanding sporting ability and his contribution for the team of India.
A player in the sport of volleyball Balwant Singh Sagwal was a player for India in the Asian Games of 1970, 1974 and 1978. Ballu also played in match games for India in the years 1970, 1978 and in 1980.
Also read: Underwater Orienteering | Underwater Rugby | Underwater Target Shooting | Underwater Wrestling (Aquathlon) | Unicycle Hockey
In the very initial National Volleyball Championship participated by Sagwal in 1965, and continued to participate in the Nationals until 1988. In the years 1968 and 1981, Punjab was able to win National Championships an astonishing 10 times. The success was mostly because of the heroic efforts from Balwant Singh Sagwal.
Ballu was also part of Ballu also participated in the All India Police Games from 1966 until 1990, representing Punjab Police and BSF.
Volleyball player Balwant Singh's career highlights
Ballu is believed to be the reason behind Punjab's popularity in the sport. The destiny of his birth drove him to join the Border Security Force, in Jalandhar the city that was renowned for its high-quality volleyball players of the time. After completing his training his extraordinary career started at the national volleyball tournament in the year 1965. Due to his skill the player continued to play in the national championships until 1988. The 6'6 inch player played a key role in helping Punjab to win his place in the National Championships ten times. His impressive performance earned him the opportunity to represent India at the Asian Games of 1970, 1974 and 1978. He also participated in test games for India in the years 1970, 1978, and 1980 as and during the All India Police Games from 1966 until 1990.
His unwavering performances, sportsmanship, and leadership in the national team won the volleyball player Balwant Singh India's highest sporting award in 1972, the Arjuna award. He established an academy that continues to carry his legacy. The stadium was also named in his honor. The legendary player breathed his final breath at 65 on the 14th November 2010. October 2010.His son Narender is a player for the Indian volleyball team and is carrying the legacy forward.