State rejoices in Dilip’s elevation

Bhubaneswar: Odisha erupted in joy as local boy Dilip Tirkey was on Friday unanimously elected president of Hockey India, becoming the first person from the state to occupy the post.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik hoped the game will scale new heights under Tirkey, himself an illustrious player.
“I am sure, being an illustrious player himself from the cradle of Indian hockey, he will take the game to new heights. Wish him all the very best,” part of a tweet by Naveen read. The position came to Tirkey at an opportune moment when Odisha is busy preparing to host the 2023 men’s hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13 to 29.
State sports secretary R Vineel Krishna described it as a proud moment for the state. “It’s a great honour and I am sure this will inspire a new generation of hockey players from Odisha. Under Tirkey’s leadership, there will be a fresh momentum in development of hockey, not only in Odisha, but across the country,” Krishna said. It is more than just a personal feat for Tirkey as Odisha’s people and the government are strongly associated with the game. Odisha has been sponsoring the men and women’s national teams since 2018.
Tirkey, who is chairman of Odisha Hockey Promotion Council, said he would work hard to take Indian hockey to greater heights. Born in a modest family in Saunamara, a tiny tribal village of around 2000, Tirkey went on to captain India and is considered among one of the best defenders of his time.