Veteran Sports Journalist Harpal Singh Bedi Passes Away at 72

Harpal Singh Bedi, a veteran sports journalist who chronicled the highs and lows of Indian sports for over four decades, passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 72.

Bedi's illustrious career spanned eight Olympic Games, countless Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Cricket and Hockey World Cups, and national and international championships in various sports. He served as the national Olympic contingent's press attaché in 2012, where his wit and warmth charmed the media box.

As the former sports editor of United News of India (UNI) and consulting editor of the Statesman newspaper, Bedi was a towering figure in Indian sports journalism. His expertise extended beyond reporting, as he mentored young journalists, easing their nerves with his trademark humor.

"Harpal Singh Bedi was a quintessential newsman, loved and respected," said veteran journalist and sports administrator G Rajaraman. "His finger was on the pulse of Indian sport and sports administration."

Bedi's close friendship with legendary cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi often led to mistaken identities. "We are close friends you know, I am BSB, he is HSB. We go back a long way," the late spin great once quipped.

An alumnus of Jawahar Lal Nehru University, Bedi witnessed the transformation of India's sporting landscape, from P.T. Usha's fourth-place finish in the 1984 Olympics to Abhinav Bindra's historic gold medal in 2008.

Bedi's reputation extended beyond India's borders. He became a popular figure with Pakistani journalists during tours with the Indian cricket team in 2004 and 2005. "His understanding of the Indo-Pak relationship was at par with the best foreign affairs experts," Rajaram recalled.

Pakistani sports journalist Rasheed Shakoor fondly remembered Bedi's jovial personality. "He was a treasure trove of both news and jokes," Shakoor said. "It was so easy to become his friend."

Despite his cheerful demeanor, Bedi's frustration was evident when the Indian hockey team underperformed. "The only journalist I knew who could laugh at himself," said Vijay Lokapally, former senior editor of 'The Hindu'. "The press box will not be the same without him."

Bedi's health had declined in recent years, but his legacy as a respected and beloved sports journalist will endure.

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