Dilip Tirkey has earned many laurels on the ground and equally many accolades outside the sporting fields. The latest one is not only rare but also sweeter.
National Institute of Technology (NIT), an institution of national importance in his district, named its stadium after him recently. The managing committee of the NIT, as a mark of respect and immense contribution of Dilip to the cause of Indian hockey and Orissa sports, took the rare decision to name the stadium in its campus, in order to glorify the greatest hockey player India produced in the contemporary scene.
The former Indian skipper, the biggest sporting icon of Orissa is also, in true sense, son of the soil. The most capped hockey player of India and the first sportsman of Orissa to be awarded with Padmashree, hails from Sundargarh district in which Rourkela is located. Dilip Tirkey’s inspired the lot of the State’s sports loving youths through his sporting achievements and impeccable behaviour off the field, prompted the NIT authorities to take such a decision.
Dilip Tirkey himself was present to unveil the plaque in a function held on 15th April, 2008. He was given a rousing welcome by the students and the faculty members on his arrival with his wife Meera Tirkey to the campus. Dr.Sunil Kumar Sarangi, Director of NIT, received the legend at his office. He was taken to the stadium in a procession where he unveiled the plaque.
It is grand gesture from the part of NIT authorities who have chosen a simpleton’s name for their stadium.
1 Comment
dilip tirkey is a good player, keep it up