I’ve no regrets now after this Olympic medal, says four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay

He endured the ache of returning empty-handed from the Olympics 4 instances throughout his enjoying days, however the legendary Dhanraj Pillay says now he has no regrets after watching the Indian hockey staff declare a bronze on the Tokyo Games.
The eight-time former gold-winners, who battled a heartbreaking stoop within the final 4 many years, scripted historical past at Tokyo by securing an Olympic medal—a bronze—after 41 years.
The final time India had gained an Olympic medal in hockey was on the 1980 Moscow Games the place they bagged the gold.
On Thursday, India introduced an finish to the medal jinx after getting the higher of the Germans in an exciting 5-4 win within the bronze medal play off.
“I always had the regret that I could not win an Olympic medal. I used to wonder whether I would be able to see India at the Olympic podium again in hockey. Now with this historic win, I have no regrets,” the previous captain advised PTI.
“You always go to the Olympics to win a medal and your morale is broken when you end up playing classification matches,” stated Pillay, who’s the one Indian to characterize India in 4 Olympic Games (1992 to 2004) and as many World Cups and Champion Trophies in a profession spanning over 15 years.
The Indians confirmed nice dedication as they made a memorable comeback, preventing again from a two-goal deficit to show the match of their favour after being 1-3 down because of some defensive lapses.

“I must appreciate this team for the way they have managed a comeback after the heartbreaking defeat against Belgium,” stated the 53-year-old.
Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh produced some sensible saves, together with saving a penalty nook within the dying moments, to not enable the Germans take the match into the shootout.
“I have always said that Sree (PR Sreejesh) is a big match winner. Harmanpreet (Singh), Rupinderpal (Singh), Simran (Simranjeet Singh) everyone has contributed. The never-say-die attitude of this team is exemplary,” stated Pillay.
He additionally stated that this win is a results of a protracted course of and the change didn’t occur in a single day.

“This does not happen overnight. There has been a long process behind this. Many people have contributed like former coach Roelant Oltmans, Jose Brasa, Terry Walsh, Ric Charlesworth or Harendra Singh,” he stated.
“We can not forget the support staff also, plus the contribution from former players and the Odisha government.” Pillay stated India ought to begin getting ready for the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics on the earliest.
“I think we should start preparing for the World Cup and next Olympic straightaway. We must have a wider core group of players and prepare them for the next mission,” he signed off.