Tributes Pour In for Gurjeet Singh, Renowned Kabaddi Player Who Passed Away

Gurjeet Singh, a prominent kabaddi player from Toot village, has passed away at the age of 45, leaving behind a legacy of achievements and a tragic struggle with addiction. His journey from a celebrated athlete to facing personal challenges serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of youth awareness regarding drug abuse. As the community mourns his loss, tributes pour in from family, friends, and fellow athletes, highlighting his impact on the sport and the lives he inspired. This article delves into his remarkable career and the lessons learned from his life.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 21:40 IST

A Sad Farewell to a Kabaddi Legend

Gurjeet Singh, a former international kabaddi player hailing from Toot village, passed away on Tuesday night while receiving treatment at Guru Gobind Singh Government Medical College in Faridkot. He was just 45 years old.

His cremation took place this morning at the village's cremation ground, attended by hundreds of villagers, family members, political figures, and sports personalities who came to pay their respects. The news of his sudden passing has left the community in profound sorrow.

Family sources revealed that Gurjeet completed his education up to Class 12. His father, Gurmail Singh, worked as a farmer, while his mother, Jaswinder Kaur, was a homemaker. He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their 10-year-old daughter, Jaskirat Kaur.

A Journey from Basketball to Kabaddi Stardom

Gurjeet's coach, Amarinder Singh Ruby, shared that Gurjeet initially pursued basketball before transitioning to kabaddi in 1995. "His first victory in the 62-kg category at a local match boosted his confidence to take the sport seriously. By 2002, he had made a name for himself, and we were all immensely proud of his achievements," Ruby recalled.

In 2004, Gurjeet made his debut in England, where he captivated audiences with his skills. He earned the title of 'Best Raider in England' in 2005. His journey continued to Canada, where he faced a hip injury during a championship match. Despite this setback, he left a lasting impression and returned in 2007 to claim the Best Raider award.

A Legacy of Achievement and Inspiration

Gurjeet was celebrated for his dynamic raiding style, even setting a record by winning three kabaddi tournaments in a single day. His contributions to kabaddi brought fame to his village both in India and internationally. His influence was so significant that his name was featured in songs by artists like Angrej Ali and Arjan Dhillon. Throughout his career, he amassed numerous trophies, five Royal Enfield motorcycles, a prized horse, and various other accolades, as noted by Ruby.

The Struggles Behind the Glory

Tragically, Gurjeet, who once motivated youth to avoid drugs and embrace sports, fell into addiction himself. Family members disclosed that he began using drugs in 2012, which escalated into a full-blown addiction. Despite numerous attempts to quit, including periods of sobriety lasting up to three months, he ultimately succumbed to his struggles.

His long-term drug use severely impacted his kidneys, leading to treatment at AIIMS Bathinda. Coach Ruby recounted that Gurjeet had visited Chandigarh on July 19 to see his wife and daughter when his health took a turn for the worse. He was initially admitted to PGIMER but was later transferred back to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College in Faridkot as his condition deteriorated.

A Call to Action for Young Athletes

Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, a former gangster turned politician and social worker, attended Gurjeet's cremation and expressed that his passing is a significant loss for the kabaddi community, one that cannot be replaced. He urged young athletes to steer clear of drugs, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the youth from addiction.