Former Indian men’s hockey team player Gurbax Singh Grewal, who was part of the bronze medal-winning squad at the Mexico City 1968 Olympics, died on Friday evening at the age of 84.
Gurbax Singh Grewal breathed his last at his residence in Zirakpur – a town near Chandigarh – after suffering a heart attack.
Born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad in Pakistan) in undivided India, Gurbax Singh Grewal was a speedy forward who represented India at the Mexico City 1968 Olympics.
He was part of the Indian hockey team that secured the bronze medal and also shared the field with his brother, Balbir Singh Grewal, marking a rare instance of two siblings representing India at the same Olympic Games.
Gurbax Singh Grewal moved to Mumbai in his early 20s to pursue hockey and went on to represent Western Railways, where he built a distinguished playing career.
After retiring as a player, he continued to contribute to the sport as a coach, mentoring several Mumbai teams over the years.
He also served as the Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association, playing a key administrative role in the development of hockey in the region.
“The Indian hockey fraternity is deeply saddened by the passing of Gurbax Singh Grewal ji. He was a valued member of India’s Olympic medal-winning team and a true servant of the sport whose contributions extended far beyond the field,” Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, condoling the Olympian’s death.
“His passion for hockey and his dedication towards nurturing future generations will always be remembered. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this hour of grief,” he added.
Gurbax Singh Grewal’s last rites will be performed on Saturday in Zirakpur.
read more: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/gurbax-singh-grewal-mexico-city-1968-olympics-indian-hockey-medallist-death
