Foreign coaches not helping Indian hockey: Dhanraj Pillay

Former hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay today said that he was opposed to the import of foreign coaches in Indiaq as it was not helping the players.
"The standard of Indian hockey is going down because of the foreign coaches as they are unaware of the strength and the weakness of Indian players," Pillay said here.
"Indian coaches can do much better than the foreign coaches, because Indian coaches know our players' strength and weakness," said the Olympian.
"I have been telling (the authorities) to appoint Indian coaches since 2004 and I believe that Indian coaches are able to train Indian players but we should give them time to settle down," Pillay said.

He was here to take part in Gujarat government's talent-hunt. He had met and interacted with about 150 young boys and girls in the state so far, he said.
He also said he was disappointed that legendary Dhyan Chand was not considered for the first Bharat Ratna award for sportsperson, which was accorded to Sachin Tendulkar.
"Better late than never, and I hope the Government of India will consider his name for the next Bharat Ratna," Pillay said.
Talking about the Hockey India League (HIL), he said, "Players are getting good money and this is the only benefit for Indian hockey players.