If there was a hockey legend after Dhyan Chand, it was Balbir: Milkha Singh

If anyone qualifies to be called a legend in Indian hockey after Dhyan Chand, it's Balbir Singh Senior, said iconic Milkha Singh condoling the death of his 'great friend'.

The former hockey skipper breathed his last on Monday morning at a city hospital.

Balbir and Milkha competed together at the highest level for the country in their respective games and even worked together for Punjab Sports department in the 1960's.

"I had a very close association with him. The then Punjab Chief Minister Pratap Singh Kairon had brought us to the Sports Department, which we had joined the as Deputy Directora," the 'Flying Sikh' told PTI.

"We served in the Department for three decades both on the sports side as well as on physical education side," 90-year-old Milkha said.

"We were great friends. He was very close to me and I feel sad that he is not amongst us now. After Dhyan Chand, if there was any (hockey) legend, it was Balbir Singh senior."