Dhanraj Pillay Biography, Records, and Family

Dhanraj Pillay is a retired Indian field hockey player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players India has ever produced. He was born on July 16, 1968, in Khadki, Maharashtra, India. Pillay began his international career in 1989 and went on to play for the Indian national team for over two decades. He was a key member of the Indian team that won the Asian Games gold medal in 1998 and the silver medal in 2002. He also represented India in four Olympic Games, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where India won a historic bronze medal.

Pillay was known for his quick speed, dribbling skills, and his ability to score goals from penalty corners. He was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2000 for his contributions to Indian hockey. In addition to his international career, Pillay also played club hockey in several countries, including France, Malaysia, and Germany. After retiring from competitive hockey, he served as the manager of the Indian national team and was also appointed as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team.

Today, Pillay is widely regarded as a legend of Indian hockey and continues to inspire young hockey players in India and around the world. He is a true icon of the sport and his achievements will always be remembered as a testament to his greatness. His biography called “Forgive Me Amma” came out in 2007. He has expressed himself in the book about his sadness about not being able to win gold in the Olympics and asking forgiveness from his mother.

Dhanraj Pillay is not only a legendary hockey player but also a philanthropist who has dedicated himself to various charity and social causes. He has been associated with several organizations that work towards the betterment of society. During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, Pillay supported various initiatives to provide essential supplies, such as food and medical equipment, to those affected by the pandemic. In addition, he has been a strong advocate for promoting sports and physical activity in India, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas.

He has supported initiatives that provide access to sports training and equipment to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pillay has also been associated with several organizations that work towards providing education, healthcare, and other basic necessities to underprivileged children in India. Furthermore, he is an animal lover and has been associated with several organizations that work towards animal welfare and conservation. Overall, Dhanraj Pillay’s charity work reflects his commitment to giving back to society and making a positive impact beyond the realm of hockey.

• Full Name: Dhanraj Pillay
• Profession: Indian field hockey player (Retired)
• Famous For: the Former Captain of the Indian National
• International Debut: On 20 December 1989 against China
• Position: Forward
• StateTeam(s): Indian Airlines, Mahindra & Mahindra, City
  Mumbai
• Date of Birth: 16 July 1968
• Age: (as of 2023) 55 Years
• Birthplace: Khadki near Pune in Maharashtra, India
• Zodiac sign: Cancer
• Nationality: Indian
• Hometown: Khadki near Pune in Maharashtra, India
• School: The S V S High School, Khadki
• Father: Nagalingam Pillay
• Mother: Andalamma Pillay
• Brother: Ramesh Pillay

Statistics

• Pillay scored a total of 170 goals in 339 international matches for India.
• He represented India at four Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004), scoring a total of 12 goals in Olympic competition.
• Pillay played in four World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002), scoring a total of 16 goals.
• He also played in four Champions Trophies (1995, 1996, 2002, and 2003), scoring a total of 7 goals.
• Pillay’s best performance in a major tournament came at the 1998 Asian Games, where he scored 8 goals and helped India win the gold medal.
• He was the top scorer in the 1994 World Cup, with 6 goals.

Overall, Dhanraj Pillay’s statistics demonstrate his incredible skill and impact as a player, and his contributions to Indian hockey have earned him a place among the all-time greats of the sport.

Records

Pillay holds the record for the most number of appearances for the Indian national hockey team. He played a total of 339 international matches for India.

• Highest Goalscorer for India: Pillay is also the highest goalscorer for the Indian national team, with 170 goals to his name.
• Olympic Medals: Pillay represented India in four Olympic Games, (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004) including the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where India won a historic bronze medal.
• Asian Games Medals: Pillay was a key member of the Indian team that won the Asian Games gold medal in 1998 and the silver medal in 2002.
• Arjuna Award: Pillay was awarded the Arjuna Award, which is one of India’s highest sporting honors, in 1995.
• Padma Shri: Pillay was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2000 for his contributions to Indian hockey.
• He played 4 World Cup Tournaments (1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002).
• He played 4 Champions Trophy Tournaments (1995, 1996, 2002, and 2003),
  as well as four Asian Games (in 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002).

Family

Though he was born in a poor family, Dhanraj still entered a lot of support from his family members. Pillay’s father worked as a small-time employee at a factory, and his mother was a homemaker. This was because they could see the eventuality in the youthful boy who did prodigies with broken hockey sticks. Dhanraj had an alleviation in the form of his family Ramesh Pillai. His passion for the game is apparent from the fact that he played by making together broken hockey sticks! Dhanraj is un-married that’s why we have no details about his wife and childerens.

Pillay’s family has been supportive of his career and has played an important role in his success. His brother, in particular, were instrumental in nurturing his talent and encouraging him to pursue a career in hockey. Even after retiring from the sport, Pillay has remained actively involved in hockey and is often seen attending matches with his family.

Overall, Dhanraj Pillay’s family has been an integral part of his life, and their support has played a significant role in shaping his career and success as a hockey player.