Pillay bats for Indian players above 30 years for inclusion in HIL
DHANRAJ PILLAY, a Khel Ratna award winner has appealed to Hockey India (HI) to reconsider their move of not including players above the age of 30 in the Hockey India League (HIL).
"I request Narinder Batra to reconsider the decision. Players like Adrian D'Souza, Arjun Halappa, Prabodh Tirkey have left a deep impact on hockey and they are still as capable as they were a few years back," told the Times of India.
He also added that if foreign players are allowed, the Indian players should also be accommodated.
"If foreigners who are above the age of 30 can be accommodated, I am sure Indians can as well. These players have given invaluable services to the sport. Even today in places like Punjab, Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh, they are a household name."
Pillay who is the coach of Air India has assured that they will acquire the services of talented youngsters in the days to come.
"Our plan is to contract a few talented youngsters. We need reinforcements to able to create a right balance in the team. Some of the players have been playing day-in and day-out for us for almost a decade now. The idea is to give them adequate rest between matches. Our secretary Jagbir Singh was a hockey player and he has given us the go-ahead and contract fresh legs. So hopefully when we return to play in Mumbai's Super League, next month, we will have a few fresh faces."
