The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Dhanraj Pillay trains with Pak-bound juniors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 14, 2004

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Sport - Hockey

Dhanraj Pillay trains with Pak-bound juniors

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, APRIL 13. The Indian junior boys, involved in the final phase of preparations for the Asia Cup (under-21) hockey championships in Karachi, tested their mettle against Dhanraj Pillay in a practice game at the Mahindra stadium and came away with heads held high.

"These boys have the talent and are fortunate to be playing hockey in Pakistan at the start of their careers. This is the first Indian team competing in a tournament there since the 1999 Test series involving seniors, so they have a lot to play for," Pillay said.

Olympians Joaquim Carvalho and Merwyn Fernandes gave a pep talk to the boys about the importance of playing for India.

The Indian juniors, captained by striker Sandeep Michael for the Karachi event, have experience in generous measure. Eight members, including the skipper, have already played on the Indian senior squad. William Xalco, Adrian D'Souza, Sandeep Singh, Girish Pimpale, Tushar Khandekar, V.S. Vinay and Hari Prasad are the other seven expected to put their seniors stint to optimum use in the Asia Cup, starting on April 20. India finished runner-up in the previous event, losing to South Korea in the title clash.

Skipper Sandeep Michael talked about the thrill of playing an international event in Pakistan. "The full team is looking forward to playing there. We are preparing for the hockey part and not worrying too much about the off-field part," said the Asia Cup captain, making his first tour to Pakistan. "This is the first time we are going there, so the boys are thrilled. Earlier we had felt a little pressure at the prospect of going there, but after hearing about the treatment received by the Indian SAF Games squad, there are no worries."

Dhanraj, architect of recent India victories against Pakistan, talked about the passion for hockey and hospitality there. "Pakistanis appreciate top-class hockey and these juniors have the talent to make an impact. Now after the successful cricket tour, I am sure our boys will get the best hospitality too."

The Indian juniors are in Mumbai for a 10-day preparatory camp till April 17 under coach Harender Singh, playing practice games against senior Mumbai teams, apart from playing against current legends and listening to famous names from the past.

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