Tarlochan Singh Channa was born in Nairobi, Kenya and educated at City Primary School; Ohswal Secondary School; and at Kenya Polytechnic.
He played for Sikh Union Nairobi for 22 years. After having played for Kenya Combined Schools and Kenya Juniors, he earned his first international cap for Kenya against Pakistan in 1970.
He represented Kenya at the 1st Hockey World Cup in Barcelona in 1971 and the 2nd Hockey World Cup in Amsterdam in 1973. He played at Munich 1972 Olympic Games.
He was selected for Montreal 1976 Olympic Games which Kenya pulled out at the last minute whilst the team were in the Olympic Village in Montreal.