New Delhi, 07 November (H.S.): Hockey India on Saturday mourned the demise of former Indian women's hockey team head coach Gurdial Singh Bhangu, who passed away at the age of 86 in Surrey, Canada. Under his guidance, the Indian women's team clinched the gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, a historic triumph that later inspired the Bollywood film Chak De! India.

In a condolence message posted on social media platform X, Hockey India said, “Hockey India mourns the sad demise of Shri Gurdial Singh Bhangu, the chief coach of the Indian women's team that won the gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, at the age of 86. His contribution to Indian hockey will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Bhangu was appointed head coach of the Indian women's hockey team in 1998, following the team's 12th-place finish at the World Cup. Under his guidance, the team went on to win the silver medal at the Asian Games just a few months later. He subsequently played a pivotal role in taking Indian women's hockey to greater heights.

At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England, India defeated the hosts 3-2 in the women's hockey final to clinch the gold medal. The thrilling contest was decided in extra time, when Mamta Kharab scored a golden goal to secure a historic victory for India.

The team's remarkable triumph against the odds later inspired filmmaker Shimit Amin to make the Bollywood film Chak De! India. However, the character of Kabir Khan, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan in the film, was based on former Indian goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi.

Negi had faced criticism following India's defeat to Pakistan in the final of the 1982 Asian Games. He was also part of the Indian women's team coaching staff as its goalkeeping coach during the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Bhangu was born on October 3, 1941, in Lyallpur, now in Pakistan. He joined the National Institute of Sports in Patiala in 1965, where he had the opportunity to learn under legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand.

From 1972 to 1976, he served as the head coach of the Nigerian women's hockey team. Under his guidance, Nigeria made its maiden appearance at the World Cup in 1976. He was subsequently appointed head coach of the Indian women's team in 1998.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian hockey, Bhangu was conferred the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2001, becoming the first hockey coach to receive the honour.

He later settled in Surrey, Canada, where he passed away at the age of 86. His contribution to Indian hockey, particularly the historic 2002 Commonwealth Games triumph, will remain an enduring part of the sport's legacy.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar