India holds one record in Olympic history, and that is the only player to score a hat-trick in soccer. The glory belongs to Neville D'Souza, a magician with the ball. The historic day was Dec. 1, and the venue was Melbourne in 1956. A Goan, who was good both at hockey and soccer, he thrilled Bombay crowds with his deft art, and his specialization at penalty-kicks. His younger brother Derek too excelled in soccer, and played for India. It was a pleasure knowing him and chatting with him many times at Bombay's football ground, the Cooperage. Neville was humble and jolly, and I will always remember him for the time we had on the streamer from Goa to Bombay after the end of the Santosh nationals. We drank lot of feni and talked football. I was sad that he passed very sad to know he passed away in 1980. On this opening day of the Rio Olympics, it's nice to remember Neville.
Eugene Correia
