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Dhanraj bats for Indian coaches

Last Updated 12 October 2015, 19:40 IST
As preparations for the Rio Olympics are in full swing for the Indian men’s hockey side, former skipper Dhanraj Pillay believes that the appointment of another foreign coach isn’t the way forward.

“The good thing is that we have qualified for the Olympics. But on a personal note, as a player who has witnessed a lot of hockey, I believe that we are not gaining much from foreign coaches.

“Yes, we don’t have a lot of time now and should support the coach, but after the Olympics I believe that we should look for an Indian coach as they will understand Indian players better,” said Pillay, who is in the city coaching the Air India team at the Bengaluru Cup hockey tournament.

The Hockey India League (HIL) recently made changes to the rules where field goals would count as two goals and penalty corners as one. Pillay, while welcoming the change, felt there was scope for the rule to be woven into the sport at the international level.

“It is a good change as teams will go for field goals rather than concentrating on getting penalty corners. India will be implementing it now and FIH has verified it, so maybe the rule could be added to international hockey in the future,” said Pillay.

“Penalty corner specialists, though, will still exist and teams will still use them as a weapon, at least when there is a need for a goal,” he added.

The Indian team just wrapped up their tour of New Zealand on a victorious note but Pillay stressed that it was vital the players remained injury-free.

“Preparations are headed in the right direction but the only thing is that the boys need to keep themselves fit and should not get injured in the last minute. They need to be careful and do the best for the country.”

Pillay also spoke of his expections of the team at the Olympics, “ I will be realistic and say that they should not aim for a gold or podium finish and look to finish in the top six. I say top six because then we qualify for the Champions Trophy and we have missed many of these tournaments in the past. the Champions Trophy is important to prove to the world that we are a powerhouse of hockey again.”

The four-time Olympian, who scored 170 goals in a career spanning 15 years, has been coaching Air India for over three years now. Even though he harbours ambitions of being the national coach someday, he feels he doesn’t fit into Hockey India’s scheme of things.

“Hockey India and I have been at odds because I am straightforward and point out where they go wrong. So, I don’t think I’ll ever be given the opportunity to coach the national team but I am hopeful.” 
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(Published 12 October 2015, 19:40 IST)

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