New Delhi: Former hockey players will meet in Mumbai soon to "pressurise" the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) for considering senior players, including former captain Dhanraj Pillay, among the Olympic hopefuls.

"We have called a press conference with all the former players in Mumbai to discuss the issue," former captain and coach Zafar Iqbal told reporters today (May 5, 2004).

"I do not know how far we will be able to achieve by pressurising the IHF... but with a very limited choice, Dhanraj becomes an indispensable element of the team," he said.

Iqbal said, "Pillay is an extraordinary player as playing with the same determination for 15 years is no easy thing."

Keeping in view that the Athens Olympics are just 100 days away, this is no time for "experimentation but planning strategies against the rival teams", the former left-winger said.

Former hockey player Ashok Kumar also supported the cause of senior players.

"Senior players like Dhanraj are required to handle pressure in the dying moments and save the match. They can enliven the team," Ashok Kumar, son of hockey legend Dyanchand, said.

"If fitness is the issue in Dhanraj's case why were (Baljit Singh) Dhillon and (Baljit Singh) Saini left out of the squad," he asked.

"Dhillon is an intelligent player with good timing and experience. Who would the youngsters look up to in critical moments on the field," Ashok Kumar asked, emphasising the need to have seniors in the team.

"Such controversies also demoralise the team," he said.

Iqbal said IHF should honour players for their services. "If it does not want Dhanraj it should be transparent about it and not hide anything from him...It is time that IHF gives players some say."

On whether the Hockey Players Association could fight for the seniors, he said, "We have a players association but it is not very active. We need to work more for the welfare of the former players."

Former cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi, an ardent follower of hockey, said, "In the year of Olympics it's a matter of concern for Indian hockey. We should express it and not shy away from it."