Balasingam’s passing was announced by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), who referred to him as a legend, on their Twitter account.

The national body, in its condolence message, added: “MHC will forever be grateful to Mr S Balasingam and his family for their services to the nation.”

Born on Nov 15, 1947 in Ipoh, Balasingam made his name as a left half and first played for Malaysia aged 21 at the 1968 International Hockey Tournament in Lahore, Pakistan.

The St John’s Institution old boy is best remembered for being a member of the 16-man national squad that finished fourth at the 1975 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur. It remains Malaysia’s best finish at a World Cup.

He also featured at two Olympic Games – Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 – as well as the 1973 World Cup in Amsterdam.

Balasingam, together with his 1975 World Cup squad teammates, was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2004.