MJ Gopalan: The Indian Sportsman Who Chose Cricket Over Olympic Hockey Gold

Indian sporting history has produced several remarkable careers, but few contain the kind of unanswered question attached to MJ Gopalan.

A talented cricketer and hockey player, Gopalan faced a remarkable decision in 1936. He had an opportunity to pursue selection for India's hockey team at the Berlin Olympics, where the side would be led by the legendary Dhyan Chand. Instead, he chose to travel to England with the Indian cricket team, following the sport he was more passionate about.

The decision took on a different meaning after the Olympics. India won the hockey gold medal in Berlin, defeating Germany 8-1 in the final. Gopalan, who could potentially have been part of that historic campaign, was instead in England with the cricket team.

His cricket tour, however, did not produce the international opportunity he might have hoped for.

A rare double international

Born in Morappakam and raised in Triplicane, Chennai, Gopalan developed into a talented fast-medium bowler who could move the ball both ways. His cricketing ability was recognised by CP Johnstone, one of the important figures in the development of Madras cricket.

Gopalan became a prominent figure in the city's cricketing circles and built a substantial first-class career. Across 78 matches, he scored 2,916 runs and claimed 194 wickets.

His record at domestic level stood in sharp contrast to his limited opportunities for India.

Gopalan also excelled in hockey, playing as a centre-half. In 1935, he toured New Zealand with the Indian hockey team, an experience that helped put him in contention for the 1936 Olympic squad.

That left him with an unusual choice: continue his pursuit of hockey and potentially play at the Berlin Olympics, or concentrate on cricket.

He chose cricket.

India won Olympic gold without him