Introduced in 1954 for outstanding civilians.

Balbir Singh Dosanjh, popularly known as Balbir Singh Sr., represented India in three Olympic Games and won the Gold Medal on each occasion. In 1957, he became the first recipient of the Padma Shri award in the Sports category.

He made his Olympics debut at London in 1948 against Argentina where India won 9-1. He scored six goals including a hat-trick. In the final against Britain, India won 4-0 with Balbir scoring twice.

At the Helsinki Olympics 1952, he was Vice-Captain and scored all three goals in the semi-final against Britain. In the final India beat Holland 6-1, with Balbir scoring five including a hat-trick. He was made Captain for the Melbourne Olympics in 1956.