GURBAJ SINGH was part of the Indian men's National hockey team that took part at the Olympics (2012); World Cups (2010, 2014); Asian Games THRICE (2006, 2010, 2014); Commmonwealth Games (2010, 2014); Asia Cup (2007); Hockey World League Tier 4 (Finals) (NIL), Hockey World League Tier 3 (Round 3) (2015) & Champions Trophy (2014).

He didn’t have the easiest entry into the national side but ever since he made his debut, Gurbaj Singh has been one of the key men in every Indian outing. A gifted midfielder who can change the course of any match on his day, right-half Gurbaj has an immaculate sense of ball distribution, never-ending energy and ability to sprint away from the opposition with the ball in a jiffy.

He made his senior international debut at the Doha Asian Games and since then has been a fixture in the all India’s assignments. Won a bronze (2007) and Silver (2008) in the Azlan Shah Cup and gold at the 2007 Asia Cup.

Under his captaincy India retained the Junior Asia Cup in Hyderabad (India) in 2008.

He made his India debut at the Doha Asian Games in 2006, coming in at the expense of the experienced Viren Rasquinha, who retired from international hockey after that. Gurbaj’s inclusion was questioned by many, adding to pressure on the youngster to prove his worth. However, he managed to do so remarkably well, so much so that along with Sardar Singh, he was then  among the key members of the national side in setting up goals for others with clever run downs and precise crosses.

Gurbaj was part of the Indian side that won bronze (2007), silver (2008) and gold (1009 & 2010) in successive years at the Azlan Shah Cup. He also helped win gold at the 2007 Asia Cup. At the same time, he continued to impress at the junior level, captaining the side to victory at the junior Asia Cup in 2008 in Hyderabad, defeating Pakistan in the final.

On field, Gurbaj plays aggressive hockey, though he rarely gets fouled. Off field, he is a complete contrast, shy and withdrawn, taking time to open up to strangers and happiest and most comfortable with other players. He was made DSP in Punjab Police. Though he failed to make the team for the 2012 Olympic qualifiers due to injury, he made a comeback to the side for the four-nation Olympic test event in London.

Based on a complaint from coach Jude Felix, Hockey India suspended Gurbaj IN 2015. He went to court against the order and returned to the side in 2016. He was played in the 2006 South Asian Federation Games in Guwahati. He was not selected thereafter. However, he continues to play for his employer Punja Police in domestic circle.

A match winner on his day is the most wronged player too.