Gurbux Singh was born on 11th February, 1936 in Peshawar, present Pakistan. His father Kartar Singh was an officer at Army Hospital and also a hockey player. After partition of India Gurbax Singh’s family settled in Lucknow. He grew up in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh and represented Agra University in 1954/55. The following year he was part of the team that won prestigious Obaidullah Khan Gold Cup. After completing his education in Punjab University he shifted base to Kolkata in 1957 and started playing hockey. The same year, at an age of 21, he was selected for Bengal hockey team.

In 1968 he joined Mohun Bagan and sported the Green & Maroon jersey till 1980. In 1960 he made his first appearance for the Indian national team, during a tour of Australia and New Zealand. He was member of the national team when it won Gold medal in 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He also played in 1966 Bangkok Asian Games when India defeated Pakistan in final to win first Gold medal in Asian Games. In 1968 he was captain of both Mohun Bagan and Indian team, which went on to win Bronze medal in 1968 Olympics under his leadership. 1968 to 1980 was a golden age of Mohun Bagan hockey team. Mohun Bagan won First Division hockey league nine times and lifted the prestigious Beighton Cup nine times. In 1969 Mohun Bagan achieved a unique feat of winning every competition in Kolkata in football, cricket and hockey.

Even after retirement he was closely involved with Mohun bagan. In 1970s and 1980s he played the role of a player, coach as well as umpire. In 1983 he was part of the selection committee for Indian national team. In 1983 World Cup and Champions Trophy he was manager of the national team. He coached the French team in 1974/75 and Indian team in 1976 Montreal Olympics. He received umpiring badge from International Hockey Federation in 1981. He also acted as an umpire in 1982 Asian Games in Delhi. He is well known as a commentator and for his articles in different newspaper and magazines. In 2017 his autobiography “My Golden Days” was published. He received a number of awards in his career including Arjuna Award in 1967.

Gurbux Singh has received the prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna award in 2020.