It just happened during the ongoing All India Lal Bahadur Shastri Hockey Cup in Delhi. Saddened at the way the teams in action failing to trap the ball dead, this writer wondered when will we Indians master the art of stopping dead? Pat came reply from Ajay Kumar Bansal, well-known Indian coach, standing nearby:

“Only tribal players can.”

You agree or not, here comes a solid example for this.

A defender who can do everything perfect all the time in the game: he is here in Bhubneswar now: Dipsan Tirkey.

When India faces Australia in the opener of the Hockey World League Finals on December 1, the day will be a memorable one for 19-year old Mr. Perfect Dipsan Tirkey, the local lad.

Born in Sundargarh district of Odisha, the hub of hockey in the state, HWL will be the first international tournament for Dipsan at home ground. Not surprisingly, the young lad is eagerly waiting for the big day, to play in front of his home crowd.

“This is my first international tournament at home. I have been waiting long for this kind of moment. I can’t express my excitement. I have played Hockey India League matches here. But wearing India jersey and playing for the country in front at home ground is a different feeling altogether,” says the local lad, who has been flocking headlines in the regional media.

The defender, who made a smooth transition into the senior team during the Europe tour this year; was also a part of the gold medal winning Asia Cup team.

He is also Jr World Cup gold medallist.

However, unlike the Asia Cup, the HWL will be different as India faces some of the top hockey playing nations in the tournament. But Dipsan is positive about the outcome.

“The last camp was very enriching. The player combination is also good. The fitness is also proper. We are hopeful of a good show,” he says.

Young in age but rich in skills, Dipsan is close to all team mates but shares a special bond with fellow defender Birendra Lakra, another localite.

“All the senior players are very helpful. We guide each other. But Birendra Lakra and I share a room. Since, we are together on and off the field, he keeps telling me about my mistakes and how to improve.”

Pic above: Dipan Tirkey, Amit Rohidoss, Birendra Lakra