At 41, Dhanraj Pillay still has the moves that once made him the most feared player in the world. But he sadly rues the fact that India are not as feared on the field anymore, pinning the blame on the lack of professionalism by the game's administrators back home.
'Indian hockey is not professional. And I'm not talking about the players, but how the game is run,' Pillay said. 'Our hockey has gone down because of political infighting. We have the talent, but the game is run poorly.'
In town with Air India for the annual Quadrangular tournament at King's Park - Pillay was rested yesterday as Air India stormed into today's final against Guangdong with a 16-0 win over the Hong Kong President's XI - India's famed forward called for a radical change in the governance of the sport back home.
'Why are countries like Australia, Holland, Germany etc so good. It is because the sport is run and managed professionally. They are very well organised but this is not the case in India,' Pillay said.
A renowned dribbler, Pillay said: 'Unlike in the past, where you were proud to play for your country, you have to recognise that today, that passion alone is not enough. The younger generation wants to know how they will benefit financially from the sport. If you don't pay them their dues, no one will be interested in playing hockey.'
Pillay last played for India at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He is the only player to have played in four Olympics, four World Cups, four Champions Trophies and four Asian Games. India won the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok under his captaincy.