Dhanraj Pillay
The hockey forward from Khadki who played for India at four Olympic Games and captained the national team.
Quick facts
- Sport:
- Hockey
- Born:
- 1968, Khadki, Pune
- Known for:
- Four Olympics, India captain
Career
Dhanraj Pillay grew up in the ordnance factory colony at Khadki, where he learnt hockey with broken sticks and old balls. A fast and skilful forward, he played for India at four Olympic Games, from 1992 to 2004, and captained the team. He received the Padma Shri.
Pune link
Khadki and Pune have always claimed him as their own, and he remains a hero for young hockey players in the city.
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Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.