Overwhelmed on being conferred ‘Bharat Gaurav’ honour by East Bengal, hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay said he learnt how to nurture killer instinct from one of the iconic players, Baichung Bhutia, of the city-based club.
Speaking at East Bengal’s Foundation Day celebrations here on Tuesday, Pillay said, “I learnt killer instinct from Bhutia. When we used to play for different leagues, I saw Bhutia and learnt a lot.”
Pillay thanked East Bengal for its gesture. “It is a big thing that a football club has chosen a hockey player for such an honour. The club has always set the benchmark by providing best of facilities to its players.”
Well known football player-turned-coach Subhas Bhowmick, who received the lifetime achievement award, said he looked forward to this honour. “I have not got the Arjuna Award, but don’t have any regrets. But I always felt bad that East Bengal had not chosen me for any award. Now, the regret is no more,” said Bhowmick.
Prominent awardees:
Hockey: Dhanraj Pillay; Football: Syed Nayeemuddin; Subhas Bhowmik; Gurwinder Singh (player of the year).
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