Another feather in the cap of star forward Dhanraj Pillay.
He gets the Padma Shree,
a top civil award of government of India.
ACCOLADES FROM HOCKEY ELITES: Mohinder Pal Singh(former captain):
Such player as Dhanraj Pillay should be given every award possible. Am very glad on the news. He was the captain of the Asiad team that won the gold after 32 years gap. He is totally committed to hockey. He did not get it through political connection unlike a few in the past. As a professional player, he does not waste energy in our domestic scene but active in the European circuit. It is good for him and for the country too. Such a shrewd planning will go a long way in him continue to give his best for the country. I wish him all the best.
Ajitpal Singh(former captain and a Padma Shree himself):
Someone in the hockey community is getting the great award, I am happy about it. Pillay deserves this. He is rendering valuable service to hockey. I cannot point one single aspect, but can say with sure that he has commitment, dedication and continuity. In total he is a great player. Prpeviously, Arjua used to be given to active players. Now it seems the government extends this award to active players. I do not know this is good or bad as far as coach-player relationship is concerned. It in anyway depends on individual relationship. It would be nice if such awards are given a bit late in the life.
Inam-ur-Rehman(great player of his time and current Indian Airlines coach)
Good news. He is a good forward, best in the country. He had played in so many tournaments, giving his best consistently. Though I personally hold the view that Padma Shree should be given after playing days so that the player concerned will be motivated to contribute to hockey in other forms too
M.K. Kaushik(Olympian and coach of Dhanraj when he led India to gold in the 1998 Asian Games.):
It is a great news. His career was in jeopardy after the 1998 world Cup as Baskaran had commented his game badly. Around that time I became coach and motivated him to do his best. This is how we could win the Asian Games the same year. This fellow is mad after the game, who gives his heart to the game. Before him Md. Shahid, Baskaran, Pargat Singh got the award. I can say his contribution is far far better than these names. He plays better than them. He has a few years of hockey left in him.