Published 13:41 IST, November 17th 2023

Who are the top 10 Indian hockey players with most medals at Olympics?

Let's take a look at top 10 medal winners from India in Hockey. Know the heroes of the sport who raised the tricolor on the biggest stage of them all.

Reported by: Prateek Arya
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Team India players celebrate Bronze medal win in Tokyo 2020 Olympics | Image: PTI
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When it comes to Hockey, India is one of most successful countries in world. Hockey has taken India to top of podium 12 times. Among such victories are eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. Hockey was first introduced on Olympic front in 1908. India established dominance in sport by winning 6 consecutive Gold medals.

3 things you need to kw

  • India has a rich history when it comes to hockey
  • India have clinched a total of 12 medals in Olympics
  • India won bronze in 2020 Tokyo Olympics

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Considering India's rich herit in Hockey, it's wonder that some of game's best players have come from India. Here are top 10 Indians in terms of Olympic medal count:

10.Grahanandan Singh

Grahanandan Singh was a member of Indian team that won gold medals in both 1948 and 1932 Olympics. former Asian Hockey Federation Vice President played one match in each campaign, winning two gold medals. Singh competed in a preliminary round match against Spain at 1948 Olympics in London, which India won 2-0. Singh played only one match at following Olympics in Helsinki, a semi-final match against Great Britain, which India won 3-1.

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9.Keshav Dutt

Keshav Dutt is regarded as one of India's top centre half-backs. He has two Olympic gold medals to his name, which he earned during India's victories in 1948 and 1952 Olympics. In his nine-year career, halfback made 22 international appearances for India. In 2019, Keshav Dutt became first n-footballer to earn Mohun Bagan award.

8.Prithipal Singh

Prithipal Singh, kwn as "King of Short Corners," has three Olympic gold to his name. He has each of elements to his name, gold, silver, and bronze medals from 1964, 1960, and 1968 Olympics, respectively. Prithitipal, who primarily played halfback, was a prolific goal scorer. In 1964 Tokyo Olympics, India won gold, scoring 22 goals, 11 of which were scored by Prithipal alone. Prithipal Singh was first hockey player to receive Arjuna Award in 1961.

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Also Read | India played compact and sound hockey at Asian Games: M M Somaya

7.Shankar Lakshman

Shankar Lakshman was a custodian who became first in history to captain an international hockey team. former Indian captain earned three Olympic gold medals for India, two of which were gold. two gold medals were won in Olympics of 1956 and 1964, while silver medal was earned in Olympics of 1960. In 1964 Olympic final versus Pakistan, custodian was chosen man of match.

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6.Ranganathan Francis

Ranganathan Francis led India to three Olympic gold medals. He was a custodian on Indian team that won three gold medals in a row in 1948, 1952, and 1956. In all three of those seasons, Francis was mostly backup custodian. Ranganathan Francis and Richard Allen are India's only goalkeepers who have won three gold medals.

5.Randhir Singh Gentle

Randhir Singh Gentle was a fullback for India's Olympic squad that won three consecutive gold medals from 1948 to 1956. He played a particularly important role at 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, when he also commanded squad. Gentle concluded 1956 season with six goals, including game-winning goal against Pakistan in final.

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4.Richard Allen

Richard Allen won three gold medals in three straight victories for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936. He played in five Olympic games without surrendering a goal in 1928. He played four games at 1936 Olympics, allowing only one goal. Allen's Olympic record of conceding only two goals in three seasons stands to this day.

3.Dhyan Chand

Dhyan Chand is unquestionably best Indian hockey player of all time, and one of best in game's history. He is kwn as ' Wizard,' and he holds multiple records. Chand, kwn for his outstanding ball control and goal-scoring ability, led India to three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936. striker scored 33 goals in three editions, which includes a hat-trick in 1936 Berlin Olympics final versus Germany. ' Wizard' appeared in 185 international matches for India, scoring 570 goals.

2.Udham Singh Kular

Udham Singh Kular is one of India's most rewned hockey players. For India, center-forward won three gold medals and one silver. Gold medals were won in 1952, 1956, and 1964, with silver coming in 1958 Olympics. Udham was also scheduled to compete in 1948 Olympics but was forced to withdraw owing to an injury. Singh was a talented player who filled a variety of positions throughout his career. forward went on to coach Indian team, leading m to a bronze medal in 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

1.Leslie Claudius

Aside from Udham Singh, Leslie Claudius is only or Indian hockey player who have won four medals to his name. Among four medals are three gold and one silver. Gold medals were awarded in 1948, 1952, and 1956. Claudius led Indian team to a silver medal in 1960 Olympics, which was coached by Dhyan Chand. halfback was first Indian hockey player to win four Olympic medals, as well as first to earn 100 international caps for his country.

13:41 IST, November 17th 2023