145;Can146;t write us off146;

8216;8216;Let8217;s not talk about me,8217;8217; was a rather candid reply when things got a bit too Pillay-centric. But he eventually bowed the inevitable.

Excerpts:

On India8217;s prospects at the Athens Olympics

Having won the gold eight times we cannot be written off. We have a chance of getting to the podium. The boys are young and experienced now, if we plan carefully we surely can pull it off.

The team8217;s poor current showing in Sydney

As I said, the team is young and several senior players are not with the team. That itself makes a big difference.

India8217;s tough group at the Olympics

At the Olympics no team is tough 8212; or all teams are tough. Making it to that level itself shows that all are on par. Getting on with it on the field is what matters finally.

Chances of getting back in the team

I have begun training and will continue doing so in earnest. On getting back8230;I do have hope since IHF has said that they are 8216;trying out players.8217; The best thing at the moment is to wait and watch and believe in what you do.

Plans for the future?

Yes, an academy in Pune. I8217;ve always thought of it particularly since I hail from a city that has produced several greats in the sport. With Suresh Kalmadi on hand I feel things should work out by October. It8217;s not easy to come up with an academy. Sponsors, long term planning and sustenance is necessary.