Former India men’s hockey player and Olympian Gurbax Singh Grewal, a member of the bronze medal-winning squad at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, died on Friday evening after suffering a heart attack. He was 84.

Grewal passed away at his residence in Zirakpur, near Chandigarh, according to family sources and hockey officials. His death marks the end of an era for Indian hockey, as he was part of one of the country’s prominent Olympic-era teams.

Born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad in present-day Pakistan), Grewal made his mark as a fast and agile forward. He represented India at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where the national team secured the bronze medal, continuing India’s strong tradition in international hockey during that period.

A unique highlight of his sporting career was playing alongside his brother, Balbir Singh Grewal, in the same Olympic squad, a rare and memorable moment in Indian hockey history. 

Grewal moved to Mumbai in his early twenties to further his hockey career and went on to represent Western Railways. During his time there, he earned recognition for his consistent performances and attacking play, establishing himself as a dependable forward in domestic hockey circuits.

Following his retirement from active competition, Grewal remained closely associated with the sport. He took up coaching assignments and mentored several Mumbai-based teams, contributing to the development of younger players and the growth of hockey at the grassroots level.

He also served as the Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association, playing an administrative role in strengthening hockey infrastructure and supporting the sport’s development in the region.

Hockey India expressed condolences on his passing, describing him as a dedicated servant of the game both on and off the field. In a statement on social media platform X, the federation wrote, “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.”

With ANI inputs