Hockey, Basketball & Badminton · Made in Chandigarh
SukhbirSingh Gill
Olympic hockey player
- Born
- BirthplaceChandigarh, India
- Died
- 1stChandigarh hockey Olympian
- 2000Sydney Olympics
Sukhbir Singh Gill was a midfielder for India’s men’s hockey team and the first player from Chandigarh to represent India at the Olympics, at Sydney 2000. Teammates nicknamed him “Thabad” — gutsy — for playing on after a brain tumour diagnosis.
A Chandigarh hockey life
Born in Chandigarh, he studied at Shivalik Public School and DAV College, represented Panjab University and played for Chandigarh at the junior nationals. He debuted for India at the 1995 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which India won.
Olympian and fighter
He played at the 2000 Olympics, the 2002 World Cup and the 2002 Champions Trophy. Diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006, he returned after surgery to play in the Premier Hockey League in protective headgear, later coached at Shivalik Public School, and died in Chandigarh in January 2024, aged 48.
Timeline
- 1975Born in Chandigarh on 14 December
- 1995India debut; Sultan Azlan Shah Cup win
- 2000Sydney Olympics
- 2002Hockey World Cup and Champions Trophy
- 2007Plays the Premier Hockey League after surgery
- 2024Dies in Chandigarh on 26 January
Quick questions
Where was Sukhbir Singh Gill born?
Sukhbir Singh Gill was born in Chandigarh, India. Born in Chandigarh; studied at Shivalik Public School and DAV College, and was the first hockey player from Chandigarh to represent India at the Olympics.
When was Sukhbir Singh Gill born?
Sukhbir Singh Gill was born on 14 December 1975. Sukhbir died on 26 January 2024.
What is Sukhbir Singh Gill known for?
Sukhbir Singh Gill is known for Sydney 2000, Chandigarh Dynamos and “Thabad”.