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 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