Dhanraj set to dazzle at WSH

HARPREET KAUR LAMBA

At 42, Dhanraj Pillay is getting no younger, but anyone who has seen the for mer Indian hockey captain in action recently cannot help but envy his fitness levels.

In the past year or so, the on-field presence of Dhanraj -who last played an international match at the 2004 Athens Olympics -has been limited.

He plays occasionally for his employers Air India, besides coaching his team mates during the domestic tournaments.

Plans are aboard to rope in Dhanraj for the inaugural World Series Hockey that kicks off on December 17 this year. The organisers are set to make an announcement soon.

“There is no bigger name than Dhanraj in than Dhanraj in Indian hockey. His presence in the World Series Hockey would be a boost and we are look ing to bank on it,“ a member of the WSH organising committee confirmed. Dhanraj had mesmerised fans during the Premier Hockey League, a city based league that ran successfully for four years.

And even though many had termed it a “league for y the young“ with four quard modified rules ters and modified rules the veteran had stood out with his superior skills and fitness.

NO WSH MATCHES AT SHIVAJI STADIUM

The WSH organisers’ hopes of hosting the matches at Delhi’s Shivaji Stadium came to a naught, after the final inspection by the technical team on Saturday evening. The Stadium, which was supposed to be a training venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, is still far from being ready.

“WSH matches will be held only at the National Stadium. We were hoping to get Shivaji too because of its proximity, but could not get a go-ahead from the authorities,“ said a source.