If we win the World Cup, Indian hockey will rise to the next level, says Dhanraj Pillay
With the 2018 FIH Hockey World Cup just a few days away, Dhanraj Pillay reckons that a win on home soil will help propel Indian hockey to the next level on an international stage. The former Indian captain also added that India must make the quarter-finals stage ‘by hook or crook’.
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And former Indian captain, Dhanraj Pillay, highlighted the importance of winning the World Cup on home soil as he opined that it will help take Indian hockey to whole new level. The 50-year-old, who represented India at four World Cups, also added that it was very important for India to at least make the quarter-finals, “by hook or crook”.
“I have been saying since the 1990s that Indian hockey needs one big victory, either in the World Cup or the Olympics. If we finish at the podium in this World Cup, hockey in India will go somewhere it has never gone before. It will rise to the next level.
“Hockey players will also be recognised everywhere. All these players can become household names, and they have a great opportunity to do that,” Pillay said in an interview with DNA.
Pillay, who currently serves as the manager of the Indian team, also revealed that the focus will be on Manpreet Singh and his boys as they will be aiming for glory on home soil. The legendary forward wants each member of the Indian squad and support staff to remain focused for the coming 20 days.
“It is imperative for India to reach the quarter-finals by hook or crook,” he said. “After the quarter-final stage, it is about one good or bad day. But I don’t want this team to have a bad day at the office
“Don’t put your guard down and leave your strategy at any time. Stick to that till the last whistle. Be composed, don’t get excited, and enjoy the atmosphere,” Pillay concluded.
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