Roop Singh

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRoop•Singh Bais
Used nameRoop•Singh
Born8 September 1910 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (IND)
Died16 December 1977 (aged 67 years 3 months 8 days) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (IND)
Measurements170 cm
AffiliationsUnited Provinces / Jhansi Heroes Hockey Club
NOC India
Medals OG
Gold 2
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 2

Biography

Roop Singh Bais won his two gold medals together with his brother, Dhyan Chand, and is usually considered the best inside left of all-time. He was famous for his stick-work, hard hitting, and penalty corners. Singh scored 13 goals in the two games he played at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. A stadium in his hometown city of Gwalior was named after him. After the 1936 Olympic final a street in Berlin was also named for him, as well as a street at the Olympic Park in München in 1972. Singh was among three Indian players to have tube stations in London re-named for them prior to the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Singh belonged to the Bais Rajputs, a clan of wealthy landowners and liked to live and dress stylishly. As an officer he served in the Army of Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1932 Summer Olympics Hockey IND Roop Singh
Hockey, Men (Olympic) British India 1 Gold
1936 Summer Olympics Hockey IND Roop Singh
Hockey, Men (Olympic) British India 1 Gold

Olympic family relations