Seniors are crucial to team: Tirkey

MANUJA VEERAPPA

A man of few words, but tall deeds, former India hockey skipper Dilip Tirkey may have hung up his boots, but his passion for the sport remains undiminished.

From being one of the most dependable defenders of all time, the 33-year-old is now a national selector and government observer.

Even as he gets down to picking the best on whom India’s Olympic dreams rest, Tirkey firmly believes senior players, despite their ageing limbs and waning form are essential for the team.

“We definitely need the seniors. The younger lot are good but they do well on the domestic circuit and struggle at the international level.

The squad need two-three years to settle down,“ said Tirkey.

Having quit two years ago after a then world record 412 international caps, Tirkey still has the team’s best interests at heart. “We need the experienced players to play an active role in shaping the squad. Most important is the fitness and if the experienced players are agile enough we will have them in the squad,“ he said.

With one day left for the pruning of the 90-member campers into a 48-member core group, Tirkey, on the concluding day of the threeday trials at the SAI South Centre here, said, “The main focus is on forming a competitive team.

“For that, we need to have experienced players like Prabhjot (Singh), Ignace (Tirkey) and Prabodh (Tirkey) to be fit. We are also particular about putting together a development team.“

Post-retirement. Tirkey has been a busy man, and even as he gets ready for the release of his debut Oriya movie Toro Moro Katha Heba Chup Chap, he’s planning a coaching academy in Bhubaneswar.

“(Former India defender) Lazarus Barla and I are in the process of setting up and academy. We are seeking government help. It will be a residential one which will cater to the under-15 age group and gradually move up to under-21. We hope to start by the end of this year,” said the Padmashree awardee.

“Life had become very boring. Earlier, practice used to keep me occupied all the time. As a player, you always keep thinking about your fitness and you had to stick to it. But now, I miss the routine. I am slowly getting used to it. However, I just can’t leave the game,” he said.