Efforts, inspiration have made me successful: Pillay

Ahmednagar, Apr 16 (UNI) Former hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay advised aspiring sportspersons to be determined in their pursuit for success even in the face of adversity.

He was addressing players of Sanjivani Gramin Shikshan Sanstha at its annual prize-distribution function.

''Play for the country with the national flag in mind and you shall be successful,'' he said adding, ''whenever, I played against any country I would think that the national flag was on my shoulder and I was determined to keep it flying high. This thought, encouraged every player to do well.'' He said he worked strenously to achieve his targets. ''I began without shoes. Besides, I never availed of leave in my 16 years in hockey. Neither did I go on trips,'' he said.

''Efforts and inspiration have enabled me to become a successful hockey player. I was also honoured by the Honourable President of India for the same,'' he maintained.

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