Renowned Sports Journalist Harpal Singh Bedi Passed Away

Veteran sports journalist Harpal Singh Bedi, who covered several highs and lows of Indian sports in a career spanning over four decades, served as the national Olympic contingent’s press attache in 2012 and charmed the media box with his inimitable wit and warmth, died after prolonged illness in New Delhi on June 15.

Death of Harpal Singh Bedi

Harpal Singh Bedi, a respected journalist known for his sharp reporting and engrossing narrative, has passed away, leaving a void in the world of Indian sports media. JNU alumni Bedi made a lasting impression on the pitch with his special combination of friendly, approachable demeanor and razor-sharp journalistic instincts. Following a protracted illness, he passed away at the age of 72 on the morning of June 15, in New Delhi Hospital. At the green park crematorium, he was cremated in front of a large gathering of family, colleagues, friends, especially external affairs minister S Jaishankar.

About Harpal Singh Bedi

Harpal Singh Bedi was born in 1952. He completed his early education in his native town. He is finishing up his M.A. and M. Phil. From the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Following graduation, he went into sports journalism. Bedi, who recently passed away at the age of 72, left an indelible mark on Indian sports journalism. Bedi served as the national Olympic contingent’s press attache during the 2012 Olympics. He worked as the sports editor of the United News of India (UNI) and later as a consulting editor for the Statesman newspaper.

Award and achievement of Harpal Singh Bedi

• Bedi covered eight Olympic Games, numerous Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Cups in both cricket and hockey. His work extended to world and national championships in athletics and other major Olympic sports.
• Bedi, an alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), was considered a father figure in sports journalism.
• Bedi was known for mentoring young journalists in the press box, putting them at ease with his trademark humor. His ability to connect with newbies made him a beloved figure among colleagues.
• He witnessed India’s sporting milestones, from P. T. Usha’s 1984 Los Angeles Olympics performance to Abhinav Bindra’s gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Games.
• His fame transcended borders, earning him popularity among Pakistani journalists during India’s cricket tours in 2004 and 2005.
• Additionally, he covered all three of the esteemed FIH Men’s Hockey World Cups, which were hosted in India. He covered the 2010 New Delhi quadrennial, the 2018 Bhubaneswar quadrennial, and the 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela quadrennial.