Dhanraj Pillay for WSH
Vaibhav Sharma
Tribune News Service
Former Indian captain Dhanraj Pillay is set to make a comeback to the sport as he has joined the World Series Hockey (WSH). The mercurial striker has been signed to play and also work as a mentor in the league that is scheduled to begin from December 17.
There have been clouds of uncertainty over WSH, with Hockey India taking exception to any of its players becoming a part of the league. But with the mercurial forward joining their ranks, it can surely be seen as a shot in the arm.
Speaking about his involvement with the league, Pillay told The Tribune: “It is a fantastic feeling to be back in action with the global hockey superstars. I have always maintained that the hockey players need to be better looked after and I am proud to be associated with WSH.
“The league will provide young Indian players with an ideal platform to showcase their talent on a global stage. I have been undergoing intensive training to compete with the best in the world,” he added.
Dhanraj, who was conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1999, the country’s highest sporting honour, had mesmerised the hockey world with his dazzling ball control and stick-work. He also has the distinction of donning India colours at four Olympics (1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004) and four World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002).
One of the most popular stars in India hockey, Dhanraj represented the country for over a decade and stamped his mark on almost all major tournaments around the world with his precise goal-scoring abilities.
Besides his internationals exploits, Dhanraj also represented a number of overseas clubs, including the Indian Gymkhana, London; HC Lyon, France; HTC Stuttgart Kickers, Germany, and BSN HC & Telekom Malaysia HC, Malaysia.