Dhanraj against foreign coach for team

Chennai, Feb 2 (UNI) Ace hockey player Dhanraj Pillay today said he was not in favour of a foreign coach for India, while asserting that he was fit and has still a lot of hockey left in him.

Talking to reporters after felicitating meritorious sportspersons of Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School for winning laurels in various state level and National level meets, the former Indian captain said ''I have been opposing this idea (foreign coach) for a long time.'' ''I don't think India need a foreigner to train the players.

When our coaches can produce a player like Dhanraj Pillay and Pargat Singh, then why do we need foreign coaches'', he asked.

India have the best of coaches and it would be appropriate to have an Indian as the coach of the national team, he averred.

He also regretted for not being selected for the Maratha Warriors team in the PHL which he had represented for the last 20 years.

''I feel bad. I was not chosen because the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) did not want me. The other teams like Bangalore Lions and Sher-e-Jalandhar also wanted me to play for them. But IHF said no'', he added.

''I challenge everyone. I am very much fit. I played in the MCC Murugappa Gold Cup tournament recently. You (the press) all saw it. I am still fit and have a lot of hockey left in me'', he added.

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