After playing an important role in brokering the truce between Hockey India and the striking campers, former captain Dhanraj Pillay feels the positive thing, which came out of the entire episode is the unity among the players.
The five-day long crisis was resolved after Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, in presence of Pillay, brokered a compromise deal wherein the striking players were promised an immediate disbursement of Rs one crore, offered by team sponsor Sahara.
“I am very happy that a solution has been reached and the players are returning to training tomorrow. I am also happy that their legitimate demands were being met. I think every player understood that they have to prepare for the World Cup,” Pillay told reporters.
“I am happy as a player this is the first time all the 22 players came together and fought for their right and future generation,” he said.
The former striker said Kalmadi’s assurance was more than enough for the players, who have stalled the World Cup preparatory camp here in protest against the delay in payment of their pending financial dues and incentives.
“What the players wanted was some assurance and Mr. Kalmadi ensured them that they will talk to the Hockey India people and distribute the Rs one crore offered by Sahara among the players as soon as possible,” Pillay said.
“Mr. Kalmadi also assured them that their other demands will be put before the new Hockey India, set to be elected on February 7,” he added.
