Hockey News: New president Dilip Tirkey's roadmap for Indian field hockey

The latest development in Indian hockey is former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey's ascension as the first player-president of Hockey India after an easy win at the HI president election. 

A top defender for team India during his time, the player is known for having made the most appearances for the Blue Tigers. After the declaration, he thanked all the state hockey association members and other administrators. 

He considered his new position akin to homecoming and shared that he had learned much from the sport. "I think it is time for me to give back. This is my chance to take hockey to the next level," said Tirkey.

He brought up India's Olympics bronze medal exploit besides their debilitating dark period and subsequent recovery. "Both our teams are one of the best in the world and the first motive is to fix a few issues to make them better," he revealed. 

What are Dilip Tirkey's plans ahead?

Tirkey is thinking of fixating on the junior and sub-junior levels, strengthening their foundation and promoting the search for next-generation champions. 

The player intends to instal the best facilities at the grassroots level as it is in the senior class. He also shared his disappointment over the ending of the Hockey India League, which housed top players and benefited youngsters. 

"A lot of senior team players were a part of HIL as youngsters. A world-class league gives exposure to the youth of the country. We are looking into it and will work with FIH to get a window for HIL," Dilip Tirkey hinted at a possible return for HIL.

Being a player himself, Dilip explained the nuances that uplift hockey. "Specialists like goalkeepers and drag flickers make any team world-class. All the top teams in the world focus on these skills and we will work on the same that make India a better team," he said.

Dilip Tirkey is the newest member in the list of player-turned administrators that already has Kalyan Chaubey, Sourav Ganguly, and Adille Sumariwalla. 

Tirkey highlighted the importance of being an ex-player which helps in grasping a better understanding of different aspects of the game and completely supports former players joining the administration.

The rise of Indian hockey in Odisha

Tirkey spoke about the sport's expansion in Odisha and revealed his plan to spread it to other states. He believes that the hard work shown by the players and the staff has elevated hockey to higher levels. 

Their efforts would now be invested in strengthening the sport in India at grassroots levels, improving the specialist players and developing more infrastructure. 

Although Tirkey has a road full of challenges ahead, he has brilliant plans in store that could serve Indian hockey on a grand level.