Kolkata. Not since the days of
Mohammed Shahid has an Indian forward made as many headlines
in world hockey as Dhanraj Pillay. Most of them for his
dribbling and scoring skills, some for his ability to court
controversy. The mercurial centre-forward was in Kolkata
recently to take part in the birthday celebrations of Dhyan
Chand. Following are excerpts from an interview.
The Indian team was expected to have
an easy run n the World Cup qualifiers, but they just about
made it. Why are we so inconsistent?
I don`t think this is the time to be
critical. Let`s be positive. I think it`s a great thing that
we qualified for the World Cup. We must think of ways to
perform better.
What are the team`s strengths and
weaknesses?
We have a good team and a pragmatic coach
in Cedric D`Souza. The experience and fitness level of our
side is quite high. But we need to improve our short corner
conversion rate. We also have to find a way to counter the
power and speed of the Europeans. Frequent changes in the
team don`t help.
Will we see Dhanraj Pillay in the
World Cup team?
I am fit and training regularly. I`m very
eager to don the national colours again and hope find a
place in the team.
Have you sorted out your problems with
the Indian Hockey Federation?
I have no problems with the IHF. During
the Bangalore camp earlier this year, I was injured and was
forced to miss a couple of Test series and the Edinburgh
World Cup qualifiers. I was then called for the Jammu camp.
But unfortunately, a terrorist group threatened me and I
decided against joining the camp. I have made my position
clear. I am prepared to join the camp anywhere else.
How disappointing was the failure to
reach the semis of the Sydney Olympics?
It was the lowest point of my career. We
failed to hold on to our one-goal lead in the dying moments
against Poland and paid the penalty. We had a good strategy,
but it was sheer bad luck that it didn`t work.
What has been your most memorable
moment?
Winning the 1998 Asian Games gold. I was
captain of the team then and also emerged as the highest
scorer.
The shadow of doping has clouded
Indian sport in recent months. Do you think hockey has been
affected too?
Doping is a very serious issue. But I am
sure it has not affected hockey yet. Whenever we have gone
abroad, we have had to undergo dope tests. There have been
no positive tests yet. I am confident it will remain like
this in the future also.
What`s the latest on your academy?
The Pillay-Ballal Academy at Bangalore will open in October.
The one in Mumbai is still in the planning stage.
