Hockey great Dhanraj Pillay is not surprised by Indian hockey's latest controversy concerning the players and Hockey India over payment of dues, but is livid at the state of affairs.
Hockey great Dhanraj Pillay is not surprised by Indian hockey's latest controversy concerning the players and Hockey India over payment of dues, but is livid at the state of affairs.
Pillay may not be in the inner ring of Indian hockey now, but only few apart from him know the system better.
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You miss,u00a0I hit! Dhanraj Pillay shapes well to slam a cricket ball to the boundary ropes in a charity match between Bollywood actors and cricketers in New Delhi on February 22, 2004. PIC/AFP |
"A lot of prominent names have stood up for their teams against the federation. M M Somaya did it in 1985, Pargat Singh in 1991 but the sad part is that every time the federation succeeded in hastily solving the issue they did so by dividing the team. This time is no different," Pillay told MiD DAY.
On Friday, the Indian team refused to continue with their preparatory camp in Pune for this year's (Feb-March) World Cup until they get their dues. Hockey India met some players the following day in New Delhi and it was announced that the dispute was resolved but the players decide to strike again.
Divide"I've heard that they (Hockey India) have already managed to bring about a divide in the team by talking a couple of players into coming on their side while the majority of the team is still quite unhappy.
"I'm sorry to say the team is not prepared for the World Cup," insisted Pillay. His belief is based on the appointment of a foreign coach and the cancellation of a four-nation tournament which would have been vital to India's preparations. "I don't see a lot of credentials in someone like coach Jose Brasa. I had questioned the need for a foreign coach long before he was taken on board. As a result, I was unceremoniously removed from the national selection committee," he said.
Pillay was enraged with the way Hockey India chief A K Mattoo reacted to the players' demands. "They are national players. They cannot threaten us" Mattoo is reported to have said. "I'd like to know what he knows about Indian hockey," Pillay said. Mattoo says that all players should be given chances to play. I'd like to say that every administrator should be given a chance and the bad ones should be removed if they fail.
"Hockey India have been running the game in the worst possible manner."
More Dhan fireworks in MiD DAY tomorrow
