Former Indian hockey captain, Dhanraj Pillay would be conferred East Bengal football club’s highest honour - Bharat Gaurav - at its foundation day ceremony on 1 August 2017.
Pillay’s contribution to Indian hockey is immense and that the club is honoured and humbled that he has accepted their request and will be present for the Foundation Day.
Born on 16 July 1968, Pillay currently serves as the manager of the Indian national hockey team.
He is also a member of the ad hoc committee of Indian Hockey Federation, formed after the suspension of Kanwar Pal Singh Gill.
He is regarded as one of India’s best hockey players ever.
He has the distinction of representing India at four Olympics, World Cups, Champions Trophy and Asian Games in his career spanning over 15 years.
After his debut in 1989, he has made 339 appearances for the national team and scored 170 goals. He also played for clubs in countries such as Malaysia, France, England and Germany.
In an attempt to recognise his achievements, the government of India had awarded him the Padma Shri in 2000.
Besides Pillay, the East Bengal club has chosen former India footballers, Syed Nayeemuddin and Subhas Bhowmick, as well for the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the function.
