Tribals keep hockey alive in Delhi

With more than an hour to go for the actual match to start, the actual seating area around the second turf at the National Stadium in New Delhi was already houseful. Even the outer boundaries of the turf are occupied.

And when Dilip Tirkey made his entry as the chief guest for the final of the Chota Nagpur Tribal Knock-out Hockey Tournament on Sunday, there was no doubt of his celebrity status among those who had turned up to watch the action.

The tournament itself is a testimony to hockey’s stronghold in Jharkhand and adjoining areas. Held annually since 1997, the event this time featured 32 teams in the men’s section and three in women’s. The teams, all based out of Delhi, are made up of tribals settled in and around the NCR.

“All these players have regular jobs and hardly get to play or practice otherwise. It is only during these two months that they get to play. But the sport is part of our culture and more than anything else, this tournament helps keep our love for hockey alive,” said Sushil Lakra, president of the organisation that conducts the tournament.

Many of those who have gathered work at the YMCA or as domestic helps but there are quite a few who hold government jobs. As women in traditional wear welcome Tirkey, sprinkling rose water and draping tribal shawls, a crowd of youngsters — flaunting everything from a basic camera to the latest iphones — surge ahead, wanting to click pictures with the former India captain and now a Rajya Sabha MP.

“For us, Dilip is the biggest star. Everyone wants to be like him. More importantly, it is his simple nature that makes him so loved,” said Lakra.

The tournament gets no support from any section, though they did manage a title sponsor this time around. And with no prize money or rewards, there is no incentive for those playing, except perhaps an attempt to retain their identity away from home.

For the record, the final was played between Shuttering Club of Noida and Ekta Club from Mehrauli-Gurgaon.