He captained the team in the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok and for his glorious contribution was conferred with the Padma Shri in 1967.
Despite his superb showings, Laxman was treated shabbily by the sports bodies of the country.
He was dejected and shocked over his omission from the squad for 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Indian Hockey Federation had to roll back its decision after series of strong protests. But the hurt was so deep that he declined the offer.
India slipped to third place at Mexico Olympics and Indian hockey was never the same again.
It was so difficult for the forwards to take the ball pass him that they nicknamed him as the ''Rock of Gibraltar'' .
