Lucknow, Aug. 7 -- The UP government has proposed to convert the ancestral house of legendary hockey player KD Singh 'Babu' in Barabanki into a memorial museum, aiming to preserve the legacy of one of India's greatest sporting icons while creating a new heritage destination. The proposal was reviewed on Thursday by additional chief secretary (tourism, culture and religious affairs) Amrit Abhijat during a review meeting of tourism, culture and religious affairs projects for the Ayodhya division. The museum is part of the state's broader strategy to promote heritage and cultural tourism through the preservation of sites associated with eminent personalities. Officials said the proposed museum will showcase the life and achievements of KD Singh 'Babu', who is widely regarded as one of the finest hockey players India has ever produced. The museum is expected to house rare photographs, medals, trophies, personal belongings, sporting equipment, archival records and multimedia exhibits documenting his contribution to Indian hockey. Interactive galleries highlighting India's golden era in hockey and KD Singh Babu's role in it are also proposed. Born in Barabanki, KD Singh 'Babu' was instrumental in India's Olympic triumphs and is remembered for his extraordinary ball control, vision and leadership. He was a member of India's 1948 London Olympic gold medal-winning team and captained the country to another Olympic gold at Helsinki in 1952. In recognition of his contribution to Indian sports, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, becoming one of the country's earliest sportspersons to receive the civilian award. htc...