Hockey India के President Dileep Tirkey ने Asia Cup के लिए Bihar की Nitish सरकार को धन्यवाद दिया

Dilip Tirkey on India’s Hockey Rise: Building Champions, Nurturing Talent, and Spreading the Sport Nationwide

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India’s hockey legend and current Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey, spoke candidly about the national team’s impressive run to the finals and the future of Indian hockey in an exclusive interview with One India.

Dominance in Asia, Eyeing World Glory

Tirkey highlighted India’s consistent dominance in Asian hockey, with the team winning the last Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy, and even securing a bronze medal in the last two Olympics. “Our performance against Asian teams has been outstanding, and we’ve also shown our strength against European teams in major tournaments,” he said. While acknowledging a dip in the last Pro League, Tirkey remains optimistic about the upcoming World Cup, Asian Games, and the 2028 Olympics, stressing that the team is preparing hard for these crucial events.

Strength in Teamwork and Tactics

He praised the squad’s goalkeepers, drag flickers like Harman and Yuvraj, and runners such as Amit Rohidas for their timely contributions. “The team is moving in the right direction, playing attacking hockey and scoring field goals. We’re fit and focused,” Tirkey noted. However, he emphasized the need to adapt and improve further when facing European and Australian teams.

Grassroots Development: A Pipeline for Future Stars

Discussing talent development, Tirkey revealed Hockey India’s robust plans to strengthen the grassroots. “We’re building under-17 and under-19 teams, sending them on international tours, and organizing tournaments for under-20 and under-21 squads. This creates a clear pathway from junior to senior levels, allowing us to track and nurture talent effectively,” he explained.

Squad Evolution and Future Prospects

On the current squad, Tirkey admitted that some senior players have retired since the last World Cup, but new talent is emerging. “If senior players maintain their performance and fitness, they’ll stay in contention. Otherwise, our upcoming juniors are ready to step up,” he said, confident that the core of the team will remain strong at least until the 2028 Olympics.

Expanding Hockey’s Reach Across India

Tirkey celebrated the growth of world-class hockey infrastructure in places like Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, with excellent stadiums and enthusiastic crowds. He expressed gratitude for the support from state governments, especially in Bihar, and outlined plans to host international tournaments in regions where hockey isn’t traditionally popular, including southern, eastern, and northeastern India. “Wherever the government shows interest, we will bring hockey,” he affirmed.

Evolution of the Game

Reflecting on changes in the sport, Tirkey noted significant rule updates, such as self-starts, four quarters, and new stick regulations. “The game has become much faster, and players must be 100% fit to compete at the highest level,” he observed.

A Message for the Team Ahead of the Final

With India unbeaten and almost assured of a spot in the final, Tirkey encouraged the team to maintain their current form. “Finals are always crucial. Play like you did against China, stay focused, and give your best,” he advised.

Celebrating Hockey’s Growth in New Venues

Tirkey expressed his happiness at seeing large crowds in new venues like Rajgir, where international matches are being held for the first time. “It’s wonderful for the future of hockey to see fans coming out and enjoying the game in smaller towns,” he said.