Hardyal Singh Garchey was born on 28 November 1928 in Lucknow.
He joined the Sikh Regiment in August 1949 and served with the 7th Sikh Regiment.
He played for the Sikh Regiment team in 1949 and this led to his selection for the Services team in 1950. He was coach of the Sikh Regiment and the Services team for several years.
He was a member of the Indian team which toured Kenya in 1951 and Afghanistan the same year.
He was a member of India's Gold medal team at Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.
After retiring from the Army in 1969, he took up coaching.
He was the National Coach from 1983 to 1987 and was coach for India's team at the 1985 Asia Cup. He also coached the Indian Junior team prior to 1983.
He was awarded the Dhyan Chand Award in 2004.
He died on 17.08.2018 in Dehradun aged 90.