Wielding the magic stick

Age is no bar for 40-year-old Dhanraj Pillay as his hattrick steers AI to victory

Air India began their campaign at the Mumbai Hockey Associations Super League with a comprehensive 8-2 win against Central Railway at Mahindra Stadium here on Monday.

Leading from the front was four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay, who scored four of the eight goals for Air India. In a match dominated by the airmen, Dhanraj was quick to make use of the opportunities presented to him in the first half, converting three of them.

Dhanrajs campaign began in the third minute as he flicked an accurate pass from Girish Pimpale into the nets, causing the initial damage. He struck again in the 32nd minute scoring a field goal. Meanwhile, Central Railway tried coming back into the game with a goal by Amit Singh, however Dhanraj was quick to convert yet another brilliant pass in the 35th minute to take the score to 3-1 at lemon break.

After an initial faux pas that led to a Central Railway goal just a couple of minutes into the second half, Dhanraj came to the fore yet again by converting a penalty corner in the 49th minute. From then on, there was no looking back for Air India as Bruno Lugun (2), Vinod Pillay and Joga Singh took the final score to 8-2.

One aspect that bothered the airmens psychology was that they were fielding only 12 men in their side. “Some of our boys are in the national junior and senior camps, leaving us with only 12 players in the side. This was definitely playing on the teams psychology,” said V Lobo, Air India manager.

Lobo agreed that one of the major factors that influenced the teams victory was Dhanrajs presence. “Dhanraj led from the front. He was the sole inspirational force for the team today. His skill and experience worked well in our favour,” Lobo said.

Dhanraj himself didnt seem too excited about his performance. “My goals were fine. I just used my patience and concentration to get them. I am however disappointed with the Central Railways performance, because as youngsters, I expected them to play better,” Dhanraj said.