Aim should be to better oneself: Dhanraj Pillay to young hockey players

Rather than comparing with others, a player's only aim should be improving oneself and he must constantly strive to better own skills reckons Indian hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay.

Pillay along with ace drag-flicker Len Aiyapa and Dilip Tirkey visited the Naval Tata Hockey Academy Odisha (NTHAO) and interacted with the girl cadets and coaching staff of the Hockey High-Performance Centre.

The trio surprised the young hockey players on the blue turf as they took on the sticks to share the tricks of the sport. They interacted and mingled with the young cadets and shared life learnings with them.

"Never compare yourself with another, on any aspect. Only aim to better oneself at the game. Those times were different. Today, the turfs are equipped for better results. Follow the coach, learn the tricks, and constantly strive to better one's skill," said Pillay in an official statement.

"Watch and learn from seniors in the national teams. You all have it in you too. Sky is the limit and you should persevere to be an international player and make your parents and coach proud," he added.

"Government of Odisha along with Tata's have put together such great facilities and opportunities for youth like you to excel at the highest level. Dream big and I am sure you will achieve it too, Pillay opined.

Extending his best wishes to Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, and Department of Sports and YS, he said, "Even today, the global hockey fraternity talks about the spectacular Hockey World Cup hosted by Odisha in 2018. The state has set a benchmark. Even the hospitality extended to players was by far the best."

"I thank Govt of Odisha and Naval Tata Hockey Academy Odisha for giving me this opportunity to visit the centre. It is always a pleasure to be on the turf and interact with young hockey players. These young legs made me work hard this morning and I am so pleased to notice this talent here," Pillay added.

Beaming with joy on her interaction with hockey legend Pillay, cadet, Sumi Mundari, who hails from Rourkela, shared, "We had only seen him on TV. Today, we trained with him on the turf. It is like a dream come true. It is a moment of pride for all us here."

"His simple techniques we will follow. He is very inspiring and someday, we hope to make it big, like the players in the Indian women's hockey team," Sumi said.

Len Aiyappa, India's fastest and most successful drag-flicker demonstrated the art of drag flicking which the cadets quickly got a hang of.

The legends also had a quick interaction with some aspiring boys who have come for final selection trials at the NTHA Odisha.

( With inputs from ANI )