Flight Lieutenant Manmohan Singh was commissioned in 1969. Right after commissioning he set into improving the sagging image of the IAF Basket Ball Team which had gone down. His guidance, leadership and planning infused enthusiasm, dedication and confidence in the Air Force Basket Ball Team which brought up the name of the Air Force into lime light. Due to the initiative, drive and dedication of this officer, who captained the IAF team from 1969 to 1979, the IAF Team came to the forefront and achieved the following:- a. Won 16 all India Tournaments. b. 5 Air Force Players represented India. c. Air Force Players represented Services team. d. Reached Finals of Services Meet three times.

Not withstanding this selfless and yeoman service to Air Force, his personal performance has soared to new heights and earned achievements which few in India can claim. a. He captained services team in the National Pre-Asian Championships and was instrumental in the victory of the services team for 10 years from 1969 to 1979. b. He was selected to represent India in International meets 8 times. He has performed splendidly in the following International Tour naments: i. III ABC at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). ii. X ABC Celebrations at Manila (Philippines). iii. VI ABC at Tokyo (Japan). iv. VII ABC at Manila (Philippines). v. VI Asian Games at Bangkok (Thailand). c. He has the distinction of captaining India Team in the Asian Basketball Championship, and is perhaps the only IAF sportsman to achieve this unique distinction. d. He has the honour of being placed on ALL STAR ASIAN TEAM at Manila. He was the only player in the tournament to be placed on the top rung of three separate departments of the game i.e., Scoring, Rebounding and Assistance. e. He won Arjuna Award in 1971 for his outstanding performance as a player of the Indian Team. Subsequently he had attained the greater acclaim as a Caption of the Indian Basket Ball Team in 1973. He is the sole officer recipient of this National honour in the IAF. f. He has been nominated the First 'Best Player of the Air Force'.

In view of his outstanding performance, in the field of Basket Ball in which he has won international repute and brought honours not only to IAF but also to the country; in recognition of his dedication and devotion in bringing up young Air Force players and guiding team to top; in appreciation of his leadership, determination and expertise in captaining Air Force and Services teams and boosting up their performance upto National level; and keeping in high esteem the fact that he has given the best part of his playing days to the service without considering domestic problems and beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Flight Lieutenant Manmohan Singh.