India Mourns Olympic Hockey Bronze Medallist Gurbax Singh Grewal, 1968 Games Veteran Dies at 84 – Obnews

India’s hockey community is mourning the loss of former Olympian Gurbax Singh Grewal, a member of the national team that secured a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy shaped by decades of service to Indian hockey as both a player and administrator.

Known for his speed and attacking skill as a forward, Grewal represented India during a memorable era in the country’s hockey history. One of the most notable moments of his Olympic journey came in 1968 when he appeared alongside his brother Balbir Singh Grewal on the same Indian Olympic hockey team. Their participation marked the first time two real brothers represented India together in hockey at a single Olympic Games.

Born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur in the Punjab Province of British India, now part of Pakistan, Grewal later moved to Mumbai in his early twenties to pursue competitive hockey. He went on to represent Western Railways, where he built a respected career both on the field as a player and later in administrative and developmental roles within the sport.

After retiring from his position as a Sports Officer with Western Railways, Grewal continued to contribute actively to the growth of hockey in Mumbai. He spent several years coaching local teams and later served as the Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association, helping guide grassroots and competitive hockey development in the region.

Hockey India officials paid tribute to his lasting contributions, noting that his commitment to the sport extended far beyond his playing days. His efforts as a mentor, coach, and administrator helped shape future generations of players and strengthened the structure of Indian hockey at the domestic level. His passing marks the loss of a respected figure whose dedication to the game will continue to be remembered across the country’s sporting community.