Anybody who has represented his country in the Olympics, Asiad and World Cup three times each, played in his nation’s colours in Commonwealth, Afro-Asian and SAF Games once each in a mainstream sport deserves to be regarded as a sports icon of his time. One of the all-time great deep-defenders of world hockey, Dilip Tirkey has not only achieved all these feats during a 14-year-long career, but also led India in almost all major international tournaments, winning scores of medals and setting a world record 412 international appearances. He was part of the World All-star team twice and Asian XI once. His track record brought him several honours, including the Arjuna and Padmashree awards.
All these statistics, of course, describe the achievements of a great hockey player that Tirkey is, but do not fully reflect his greatness. Rather, it is his unassuming personality, his love for the game and care for fellow players, which makes the 32-year-old a true icon.
Another significant aspect of his greatness lies in the role he played in helping youth of the tribal-dominated Sundargarh district carve out a dignified career through hockey. It’s a role few politicians, bureaucrats, professionals and religious gurus of the district have been able to match. Following the vistas opened by the defender, around 50 players have gone on to represent the country in hockey and over 500 are waiting in the wings to emulate them.
With more than 1,000 hockey players employed in government, corporate and private establishments across the country, the game has become a breadwinner for lot of families in Sundargarh.
Impressed by the laurels brought through hockey, both government and corporate establishments have come forward to set up better infrastructure facilities, training centres and provide more exposure to youngsters.
The success of tribal power in hockey has started spreading to other disciplines such as football, athletics, table tennis, basketball, volleyball and tennis. Tribal players are dominating state teams in these disciplines now. The natural athletic ability of tribal youngsters coupled with the example set by Tirkey has made this possible.
It is sad that injuries forced Tirkey to announce his retirement from international hockey, denying him the opportunity to have another go at the Commonwealth and Asian Games. But it is heartening that the former India captain is willing to carry on with his endeavour of promoting hockey in the country, especially in his home state. Under his leadership, the newly constituted Dilip Tirkey Sports Research and Development Foundation has boosted public interest by organising two six-a-side events under lights in Bhubaneswar. He is also set to lead a combined Orissa XI, comprising several internationals, in the CM Cup all-India tournament in Bangalore.
It will be a fitting tribute to him if the Orissa government makes him the head of the State Hockey Academy coming up at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
From bamboo sticks, cotton balls to glory
SHY by nature, Dilip Tirkey generally prefers to let the hockey stick do the talking. But when it comes to expressing views on the sport, he drives home his point in a slow, steady and convincing manner. A day after saying goodbye to international hockey, Tirkey spoke to TNSE on various aspects of the game. Excerpts:
On his childhood days
Like all the children of our area, I learnt the game on the rocky grounds with bamboo sticks and cotton balls. But my father being a hockey player and employee of the CRPF, I had no difficulty getting a proper hockey stick.
After joining SAI-adopted Bhabani Shankar High School, Sundargarh, I played as a forward, but often sat on the sidelines. But the turning point came at the Nehru sub-junior tournament when our coach S K Bansal asked if I would like to play as a defender. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and the rest is history.
After completing school, I spent two years at SAI Centre, Kolkata, honing my skills. The 1994 junior national championship was another turning point when Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, recruited 14 players from Sundargarh, including me for their team.
On his passion for fitness
Fitness consciousness came naturally. I worked on fitness also to fight fatness. After joining Indian Airlines at Bhubaneswar in 1996, I found no hockey ground to play in the city. Instead of sitting idle, I preferred to work on fitness at Kalinga Stadium under senior athletics coach Arun Kumar Das. My extra effort to stay fit helped me survive longer at the international level.
On being Team India captain
Despite ups and downs, I enjoyed the experience and felt no additional pressure as captain. Team members always supported me.
On changes in the game
Lots of changes occurred during my career. Technology came to play a big role. Video footage helped us analyse matches and find out strong as well as weak points of players and teams. The game became faster and players fitter. Consciousness about proper diet assumed importance. The game was better marketed with the introduction of Premier Hockey League.
On Indian hockey’s future
Future of the game depends on performance of national team. We need to win some big matches and a couple of international tournaments to regain our glory. And to achieve that, we need to improve our ability to convert short corners and cut down our mistakes. The need of the hour is to be more consistent and perfect in every department.
On plans post-retirement
I will devote my time and effort in coaching and encouraging the youngsters. I will go step by step and see how it works.
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