He has devoted 20 years to the game and played 11 nationals

No parents would want their children to take up hockey, as the sport has nothing to offer to a player who has played 11 nationals and still has no permanent source of income.

Sanjay Pollaya, a pint-size hockey player from Khadki, has no source of income after dedicating 20 years to the sport.

An 8th standard dropout from Lal Bahadur Shastri High School, Khadki, he is currently playing for the Rajesh Pillay Academy as a captain and is being given a stipend of Rs5,000 for the past two months after his association with the club for the last six months.

"I have nowhere to go but play hockey to earn a livelihood," says Pollaya, who is married and has a son and a daughter to take care of.

The 36-year-old, who is a former player of Western Railway (Mumbai) and Priyadarshani Sports Club, Khadki, attended the India camp in 1997 in Bangalore and played Gold Cup in Mumbai twice and Baton Cup once.

To maintain his fitness, Pollaya practices all alone at the Pimpri Polygras stadium or the Ammunition Factory ground. His agile moves with the ball on the field have earned him a reputation as one of the most threatening striker Khadki has ever produced.

"Due to his short stature and lack of education, Sanjay couldn't be absorbed in the army or police. I know him since his childhood and his unique style and stick work made him one of the most talented players Khadki has ever produced. I really hope he gets a permanent job," said Devdas Martin, senior member of Priyadarshani Sports Club.

The economic condition of the talented hockey player will certainly discourage youngsters from taking up hockey as a career option, he said.

Devdas Martin

former national player and senior member, Priyadarshani Sports Club

His unique style and stick work made him one of the most talented players Khadki has ever produced. I really hope he gets a permanent job.”

Avinash Rajput/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication