Bhubaneswar: Dhanraj Pillay needs no introduction, be it in India or abroad. The Indian hockey legend is keen to share his years’ of experience with the sports lovers of Odisha when he takes the centre-stage along with former India men’s hockey captains Dilip Tirkey and Vasudevan Baskaran at the upcoming Ekamra Sports Literary Festival November 2 and 3 in the Temple City.
“It is an honour for me to be part of the Ekamra Sports Literary Festival and meet the legends of world sports under one roof. I am very excited to be part of this event. I want to thank the organisers for inviting me,” Pillay told Orissa POST over phone Friday.
“Odisha is a paradise for every hockey player. I have very fond memories of playing in Odisha alongside Dilip. We have played together in three Olympics and it’s an honour for me to reunite with him again, this time sharing the same dais and share our experiences.”
Pillay also added that the event will also serve as a motivation to the budding sports enthusiasts who are willing to take up sports as a career.
“I have learnt much during all these years playing hockey, and now I am trying to impart my experiences to the next generation. I hope sharing my experiences will help many who wish to take my tips. I am always ready to help,” asserted the recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri.
“Therefore, I am eagerly looking forward to the Ekamra Sports Literary Fest. I am also looking forward to visiting Odisha again and meet my friends and fans there,” Pillay said.
In a noble gesture, Pillay thanked the state government for supporting Indian hockey. “I thank and present my respectful wishes to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his team for supporting Indian hockey with everything and also hosting the Hockey World Cup. I believe it will be a great tournament and we are all looking forward to it,” the legend remarked.
In reply to a question, the 50-year-old admitted that the semifinal against Japan in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) will be a different ball game for India. “India might have defeated Japan 9-0 in the round-robin league, but that doesn’t mean that it will be same scenario in the semis. Japan will also have its own game plans and India should not take them lightly,” Pillay quipped.
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