Veteran sports journalist Harpal Singh Bedi passes away at 73
Bedi was a regular participant in television debates on sporting events and mentor to many young sports journalists
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Renowned sports journalist and Editorial Consultant of The Statesman, Harpal Singh Bedi, passed away at the age of 73 following a prolonged illness.
Bedi began his career in 1980 as a sub-editor with the United News of India (UNI), eventually becoming the youngest Sports Editor in the agency's history. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he covered numerous prestigious international sporting events, including eight Olympic Games, multiple Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cups in cricket and hockey, and world and national championships in athletics and other major Olympic sports.
Known for his candid and straightforward commentary, Bedi was a regular participant in television debates on sporting events. He was also a mentor to many young sports journalists, many of whom now hold key positions in various media organizations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, a close friend of Bedi from their student days at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), expressed his condolences on social media platform X, stating, "A particularly sad day for first-generation JNUites. Harpal Singh Bedi, the legend of our times, passed away this morning. My condolences to his family. Om Shanti."
The Press Club of India also mourned his loss, saying, "We are shocked and dismayed over the demise of veteran journalist and former sports editor of @uniindianews, Harpal Singh Bedi. He was a regular visitor to the Press Club of India. May God give strength to the family & friends to bear the irreparable loss."
