League: Olympics Sport: Olympics Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

MJ Gopalan chose cricket over Olympic gold and left a legacy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 4:41 PM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

MJ Gopalan chose cricket over Olympic gold and left a legacy

Summary

MJ Gopalan, who faced a career-defining choice in 1936 between cricket and Olympic hockey, opted for cricket, missing India’s gold-winning run in Berlin. His limited international experience includes just one Test appearance. Gopalan remains remembered for bowling the first ball in Ranji Trophy history in 1934 and has left a lasting impact on Indian cricket, especially in Chennai, where a stadium entrance bears his name.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•MJ Gopalan chose cricket over joining the Olympic hockey team in 1936.
•He played only one Test match for India against England in 1934.
•Gopalan bowled the first ball in Ranji Trophy history in 1934.
•He has been honored with a gate named after him at MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Latest Updates

4:41 PMYahoo Sports — He chose cricket over Olympic hockey gold with Dhyan Chand: MJ Gopalan played just 1 Test and bowled the first Ranji Trophy ball

What they're saying

"
MJ Gopalan found himself at a crossroads in 1936, forced to choose between the promise of Olympic hockey and a cricket tour. He chose cricket, which meant missing out on the Olympic gold as India's hockey squad achieved greatness. Though his first-class statistics were impressive, Gopalan's international experience was limited to a single Test appearance.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Olympics Olympics