Veteran defender, who retired on Sunday, says he’ll continue to play domestic hockey.
Dilip Kumar Tirkey is a man of contrasts. Off the field, the former Indian hockey captain is a quiet person, having absolutely no airs at all. But put him on the field and the left fullback will show you why he is considered one of the best players in world hockey.
Who can forget the carpet drive, one of his most potent weapons. When the scoop and drag flick were becoming increasingly popular during penalty corners, Tirkey showed that goals could indeed be scored via hits also.
But even after 412 international matches since his debut in 1995 against England, the 32-year-old still remains totally unassuming. Fame and success have not gone to his head. Instead, he has only worked harder to keep his form up. Talk about guts and he has that in abundance too.
Being a regular defender during penalty corners, he has taken many a hit on his body. One of the most shocking incidents was the hit on the cheekbone off a deflected Sohail Abbas drag-flick. But the man remained unflinching as ever.
Three-time Olympian Tirkey was born in Savnamara (near Sundargarh, Orissa). The region is famous for producing top-class hockey players like Ignatius Tirkey, Prabodh Tirkey, Lazarus Barla and William Xalxo, apart from Dilip.
Repeated injuries finally forced this old workhorse to call it a day. “I was getting injured a lot. But the injuries used to recur after I started playing again. I then realised it was time,” the Arjuna and Padma Shri award winner told DNA.
“Of course, I will continue to play domestic hockey but it all depends on my physical state.”
All that talent, knowledge and skill he has are too precious to let go. Asked if he would like to take up coaching, he said: “I definitely want to do that in Orissa, where there are so many talented players. I have been in touch with Mr AK Bansal (the Indian junior coach) on this.”
Having played in all the major tournaments for India, there is
regret within his heart of not having won an Olympic or World Cup gold.
“Some good performances like gold in the 1998 Bangkok Asiad, 2003 Afro-Asian Games and 2007 Asia Cup are there but I feel bad about not getting a medal in the World Cup or Olympics,” he said.
Tirkey’s biographer and noted hockey author K Arumugam said: “He is a great human being and has never complained about a coach or player. He is one of the most balanced players we have come across. He is always positive and has delivered beyond expectation.”
Maybe he still had a few years of international hockey in him. But with injuries plaguing him, it was probably a matter of time before he took this difficult decision. Tirkey’s retirement has left one big void in Indian hockey.
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