Golden memories come flooding back

13 Apr 2009, Biswajyoti Brahma,TNN

NEW DELHI: It’s the same tournament, and the same venue. It’s just that the role has changed.

For Dhanraj Pillay, it’s like reliving old moments. He was just two years into his international career when the Indian team won the Azlan Shah Cup hockey in Ipoh in 1991. And on Sunday when the country claimed the title in the Malaysian city once again, Pillay had reasons to be thrilled – he was one of the selectors who picked the squad for the event.

“Any Indian win is special. I was very thrilled when as a youngster I was part of the team that won the title in 1991. Now, I’m extremely happy to see the boys do it again at the same ground,” the former star, now 40 and who is the manager of the victorious team, told TOI.

What added to Pillay’s happiness was that the win, India’s first abroad since 2003, came in Malaysia, a home away from home for him. Ironically, the title in 2003 too had come in Malaysia, in the Asia Cup.

And as if to pay tribute to Pillay who has been a star performer in the Malaysian club league too for six years, the locals came in hordes to watch the final. “Malaysia is my favourite country after India. So it’s great to see so many people thronging the stadium which was packed. And the spectators were treated to an exciting final.”

For Pillay, managing the national team for the first time, it was an enriching experience. But he made special mention of SV Sunil, who lost his father just before the start of the tournament but decided to stay with the team. “It was great team work from the boys. The coaches also did a wonderful job. At the same time I would say that Sunil showed a lot of character. It was real difficult time for him. We dedicate this trophy to his family.”

Courtesy: Times of India