Dhanraj Pillay

Born on 16th July 1968 in a small town of Khadki in Maharashtra, India, Dhanraj Pillay was one of the best forwards and former captains of the Indian hockey team. He is regarded as one of India's best-ever hockey player. He played for India in four Olympics, World Cups and Hockey Champion Trophies each. He made 339 appearances for the Indian national team and is recorded, unofficially, having scored 170 goals.

Here is the glimpse of his achievements:-

• Played 339 international matches in his career spanning 15 years from 1989 – 2004.
• The only Indian to have played in 4 Olympic Games: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 4 World Cups: 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 4 Champion Trophies: 1995, 1996, 2002, 2003 and 4 Asian Games: 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002.
• Indian hockey team won the Asian Games in 1998 and Asia Cup in 2003 under Dhanraj’s Captaincy.
• Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by the Government of India in 1999.
• Received the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2001.
• Honoured with the "Player of the Tournament" award in Champions Trophy event, held in Cologne, Germany in 2002.