Richard Allen

Besides Dhyan Chand, Richard Allen was one of the big stars of the Indian team and was also involved in India’s first three Olympic victories in 1928, 1932 and 1936. He was the goalkeeper of the Indian team and conceded a total of only three goals at his three Olympic appearances. He was known for his splendid eye, sense of anticipation and quick thinking and never played any other position. He earned his first selection by his excellent performance playing for the Bengal team at the Inter-Provincial Tournament prior to the 1928 Olympic Games.

Allen received his education at the Oak Grove School, Mussoorie, where he got in touch with the sport of hockey, and later at St. Joseph’s College, Nainital, both in Uttarakhand. He later joined the Calcutta Port Commissioners team in 1921 and played for their junior teams until 1926.