1984 Olympic bronze medallist Gurbax Singh Grewal dies at 84
New Delhi, April 25
Former Indian men's hockey team player Gurbax Singh Grewal, a member of the bronze medal-winning squad at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, passed away on Friday evening at the age of 84 following a heart attack.
Grewal breathed his last at his residence in Zirakpur, near Chandigarh. The 1984 Olympics bronze medallist was born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad in Pakistan). Grewal was known as a pacey forward who represented India at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, where the team secured a bronze medal.
He also had the rare distinction of playing alongside his brother, Balbir Singh Grewal, at the same Olympic Games, marking a special moment in Indian hockey history, according to Olympics.com.
In his early 20s, Gurbax Singh Grewal shifted to Mumbai to pursue his hockey career and went on to represent Western Railways, where he established himself as a notable player.
After hanging up his boots, Grewal remained closely associated with the sport, taking up coaching roles and guiding several Mumbai-based teams over the years.
He also served as the Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association, contributing significantly to the administrative and developmental side of hockey in the region.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Olympian Gurbax Singh Grewal. A proud member of the Indian team that clinched bronze at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Gurbax ji served Indian hockey with immense dedication both on and off the field. From representing the nation with pride to contributing to the sport's growth as Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association, his legacy will always be remembered. Hockey India extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time," Hockey India shared a post on X, while condoling the Olympian's death.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So many unsung heroes of Indian hockey. In the 60s and 70s, our hockey team was among the best in the world—bronze at Mexico City was still a big deal. Gurbax Singh ji dedicated his whole life to the sport, even after retirement as a coach and administrator. We need to honor such legends while they're still with us.
A life well lived. 84 years, Olympic bronze, a legacy of service to Indian hockey in Mumbai. It's clear he wasn't just a player but a builder of the sport. My respects to his family and the hockey community in India.
Rest in peace, Gurbax Singh ji. It's impressive how he shifted from Punjab to Mumbai in his early 20s to pursue hockey—that takes real grit. The fact that he mentored young players for decades after retiring shows his true love for the game. We need more such dedicated souls in Indian sports. 🇮🇳
Condolences to his family. It's wonderful that Hockey India acknowledged his contributions, but honestly, I'd never heard of him before this article. We really need to do a better job of remembering our Olympians, not just during tournaments but always. 🙏
What a legacy! From a small town in pre-Partition Punjab to the Olympic podium in Mexico City—that's the Indian story of perseverance. And how beautiful that his brother Balbir played alongside him in the same Games. Truly a golden chapter in Indian hockey history. Om Shanti, legend. 🌺
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