Photo Credit: Balbir Singh Sr.'s Golden Hat Trick

By Zane Miller

On Thursday, December 6th, 1956, India defeated Pakistan 1-0 in the gold medal game to win the eighth gold medal in Olympic men’s field hockey history. It was the sixth gold medal for India in Olympic men’s field hockey. Pakistan took the silver medal with the loss, claiming their first silver medal in Olympic men’s field hockey. Germany defeated Great Britain 3-1 in the bronze medal game, grabbing their second bronze medal in Olympic men’s field hockey history.

The tournament was held in Australia, with Melbourne as the host city. Udham Singh of India led the tournament in goals scored with 14.

1956 Final Standings (W-L-T format)

1. India (3-0, 1.000) (Gold)

2. Pakistan (2-0-1, 1.000) (Silver)

3. Germany (1-0-2, 1.000) (Bronze)

4. Great Britain (1-0-2, 1.000)

5. Australia (2-1, .667)

6. New Zealand (1-2, .333)

7. Belgium (0-2-1, .000)

8. Singapore (2-1, .667)

9. Malaya (0-1-2, .000)

10. Kenya (0-1-2, .000)

11. Afghanistan (1-2, .333)

12. United States (0-3, .000)

Game Results

Link to stats database: https://www.olympedia.org/results/35641

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