If you have the talent and fire, you’re unputdownable
Born: July 15, 1968
Place: Khadki, Pune, Maharashtra
LEGEND WRITES Former India skipper Dhanraj Pillay tells his younger self not to get blinded by the spotlight of fame
onto the national scene as a young centre-forward during the Senior Nationals in Delhi.
Made his international debut in the Asia Cup in Delhi and finished second behind Pakistan.
Played the first of his four World Cups in Lahore. India finished 10th among 12 teams. India won silver at the Beijing Asiad later in the year.
Played the first of his four Olympics at Barcelona, helping India finish 7th.
Won silver at the Hiroshima Asian Games. Helped India finish 5th at the Sydney World Cup, their best performance since 1982 (also 5th) and was picked in the World XI.
With his stature in Indian hockey rising, Dhanraj was awarded the Arjuna Award. Was adjudged Player of the Tournament in the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup after scoring seven goals.
Led India to gold at the Bangkok Asiad, scoring 11 goals. His performance was in contrast to the team’s show at Utrecht World Cup where India were 9th among 12 teams. Was dropped from the team for his outburst against the federation.
Was awarded the Khel Ratna. India missed the semifinals at Sydney Olympics after a 1-1 draw with Poland.
Was awarded Padma Shri. Helped India win the Champions Challenge in Kuala Lumpur.
Helped India win silver at the Busan Asiad and was member of All-Star Asian Games team. Was declared Player of the Tournament at Champions Trophy in Cologne where India were 4th.
Led India to maiden gold at the Kuala Lumpur Asia Cup.
Played his fourth and last Olympics in Athens where India finished 7th. He was dropped from the team after that and wasn’t recalled.