Sun Oct 12 13:55:35 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a summary:

**Summary:**

Former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay, speaking in Mangaluru at the inauguration of the ‘Swim Gala’ state-level swimming championship, lauded the current Indian hockey team’s fitness and consistent performance on the international stage. He highlighted their regular victories against top teams like Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany, attributing their success to improved training, specialized players, and financial support. He also acknowledged the positive impact of sports leagues and sponsorships on Indian athletes’ overall growth and earnings. S. Nidhi from MASP Aquatic Club Mysuru won the 100 m free style.

**News Article:**

**Indian Hockey Team Fittest in Asia, Says Former Captain Dhanraj Pillay**

**MANGALURU, October 12, 2025** – The Indian hockey team is the fittest in Asia and regularly defeating global powerhouses, according to former captain Dhanraj Pillay. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Swim Gala’ state-level swimming championship in Mangaluru on Sunday, Pillay highlighted the team’s significant progress over the past decade.

“The team is more confident today than it was 10 years ago,” Pillay told reporters. “They fight until the last minute, and they’ve consistently beaten top teams like Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia in major international tournaments.”

Pillay specifically praised captain Harmanpreet Singh as a top penalty corner specialist and goal scorer. He also acknowledged the depth in goalkeeping talent, with Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera following in the footsteps of P.R. Sreejesh. Pillay noted that the team regularly conducts camps for goalkeepers where about 20 persons practise together.

He attributed the team’s success to several factors, including improved training regimes, specialized players, and increased financial support from the government and organizations like Indian Oil and the Services Sports Control Board. Pillay noted the Bihar government’s recent reward of ₹10 lakh for each player and support staff following India’s Asia Cup victory.

Pillay also emphasized the broader growth of Indian sports, stating that athletes are now earning significantly more thanks to the rise of franchise leagues in hockey, badminton, swimming, and basketball, as well as increased sponsor interest.

The event also saw S. Nidhi from MASP Aquatic Club Mysuru win the gold medal in the 100m freestyle event.

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