If there is anyone in India other than Major Dhyanchand who deserves to be called as The Magician with Hockey Stick, he is Dhanraj Pillay.  Pillay was the world class player of his time and former captain of the national hockey team. India won many tournaments under his captaincy, and he has made ample contributions to Indian hockey.

Today, Dhanraj Pillay turned 51. Lets know interesting facts about Dhanraj Pillay:-

• Dhanraj Pillay served India for about 15 years. He debuted his international hockey in 1989 in Allwyn Asia Cup
• Pillay played over 330 international matches for India. However, The Indian Hockey Federation didn't keep an official record of his goals. According to Federation he scored around 170 goals in his career.
• Dhanraj Pillay played for India in four Olympics, four World Cups, four Champion Trophies and four Asian Games
• Pillay was the highest goal scorer of the Bangokok Asian Games of 1998.
• Dhanraj Pillay was honoured with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in the year 1999-2000.
• Dhanraj Pillay was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in the year 2000.
• Journalist, Sundeep Misra, wrote a biography on Pillay titled, 'Forgive Me Amma'
• Under his captaincy, India won 1998 Asian Games and 2003 Asia Cup.