WSH good for hockey: Pillay

Legendary forward Dhanraj Pillay has backed the World Series Hockey (WSH), saying it would promote the sport in the country.

Pillay said nobody should have any objections towards the WSH since the league would benefit the players. “When I was at the peak of my career, I was called the poster boy of Indian hockey. Even then I had never signed such a hefty contract of Rs 20-25 lakh,” Pillay told reporters on Friday.

The 43-year-old, who has signed up for the Karnataka team, said the WSH would help spot young talents. “Shivendra Singh emerged as a fine player in the Premier Hockey League (PHL). Likewise, WSH can produce some good youngsters.”

Pillay said the recent pull-out of some players from the WSH could be because of the pressure from Hockey India (HI). “I want HI Secretary Narinder Batra to understand that this league is for the betterment of the players,” he said.

Pillay argued that by taking part in the WSH players belonging to the National team would get some good match practice ahead of the Olympic qualifier in February.