Barog (Himachal Pradesh), July 15: In the midst of a hectic training schedule, the Indian hockey team today got a break for partying to celebrate the birthday of their inspirational captain Dhanraj Pillay. Pillay, who turned 36 today, was the centre of attention since morning. Even as the team went for practice in the morning and the afternoon, the players could not help talking about the party that they had arranged for their captain in the team hotel in the evening.

"We are going to have a bash tonight," remarked Deepak Thakur as he prepared for the party after the afternoon training was over.

The players had also planned to give a surprise gift to Pillay who, however, had already got a hint about the move. "I know they are planning a surprise for me but I don't what that is going to be," Pillay said.

But a different kind of surprise awaited the entire team when Himachal Pradesh governor Justice (Retd) V S Kokje came calling to congratulate it on its recent good performances.

"I congratulate the hockey team on behalf of the people of the state for their recent successes," Kokje said. "My special wishes are with Dhanraj Pillay who is celebrating his birthday today."

No sooner had the governor left that the players assembled in the party hall to celebrate the occasion. A 10-kg cake, ordered from the neighbouring Solan town, was cut and the players broke into extempore song and dance session. Bureau Report