Dhanraj Pillay sorry for players losing out on World Series Hockey
Dhanraj Pillay says though it’s a pity to see players lose out on cash-rich world series hockey, its organisers erred in not approaching the apex body
Former India hockey star and four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay is appalled to see the already eroding shores of Indian hockey hit by yet another storm, this time in the form of the world governing body FIH derecognising the multi-million dollar World Series Hockey (WSH) to be organised later this year.
He is worried it could destroy the little motivation that is left in the members of the national team, who are already burdened with the task of having to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Hockey’s world governing body the International Hockey Federation (FIH) recently sent a strongly worded letter de-recognising the multi-million dollar WSH to be organised by production house Nimbus and the hitherto unrecognised IHF. The FIH even threatened to ban players and National Associations saying, “any player and any NA that participates in the WSH may render that player and NA ineligible to participate in any FIH tournament, including Olympic Qualifying tournaments and the Olympic Games.”
Pillay said his heart goes out to the players and the state of the game in the country. “I feel very sorry for our national players and coaches, who were to be part of the WSH. Hockey has always been a poor man’s sport unlike cricket and I was very happy to see Nimbus and IHF pumping in so much money into our national game.
The money would have ensured a secure future for the players and their families,” Pillay told MiD DAY yesterday.
While the Delhi High Court has ruled against the derecognition of the IHF, FIH continues to recognise only Hockey India as the body running the game in the country. Pillay said this issue must be resolved soon. “It’s high time the government steps in and solves the issue of who is to run hockey in India once and for all,” an angry Pillay said.
However, just as there are two sides to every coin, Pillay felt that even the organisers of the WSH should share the blame of what has happened. “Nimbus and IHF should have at least informed the FIH of their WSH plans because after all, they are the official world governing body of the game,” he said.
A candidate for the India coach’s job, Pillay is hopeful it all ends well soon keeping in mind the London Games.
“I hope the organisers can reach some kind of an agreement with the FIH. This will be benefit not only the game but also the national players, who can then compete in the Olympic Qualifiers later this year with a free mind,” he signed off.