UNI
 
Bhopal, Aug 21: Mercurial forward Dhanraj Pillay has claimed that if proper publicity is done on a wide scale then it is certain that hockey will be buoyed from inferiority.

"Systematic publicity can save the game. Our media, through proper coverage, can carve a niche for hockey," the former national team skipper told UNI from Mumbai.

On being asked about the deteriorating condition of the game, the Padmashri recipient said, "Media only give space to and focus on cricket and never care for hockey,'' the 39-year-old alleged, adding that it is the moral responsibility of media to treat every sport equally.

While discussing the declining glory of hockey, he said: "Selection is not good in our country and that is responsible for destroying grassroots hockey. If selection became fair then good times may return.''

Claiming that Major Dhyan Chand Singh was the sole wizard in the country's hockey history, Pillay expressed eagerness to pay tribute to the legend by playing a memorial match coinciding with the player's birth anniversary on August 29.

"However, I am unsure whether the powers-that-be will permit me."

"An Indian news channel survey declared Maj Dhyan Chand as the topmost sportsperson in the 60 years of free India. The country's media favours cricket but hockey has its own glory as we bagged Olympic golds more than half-a-dozen times, and cricket lovers well know the number of times Team India cracked the hard nut at the World Cup,'' he said.