Tracing his hockey career for the benefit of an august gathering, Dilip Tirkey said that he commenced his long hockey journey in the age group tournaments that Delhi based Nehru Society organized.
“I picked up hockey in the tribal belt of Orissa, played in schools and local events, but got big time break when get to play in the Sub-Junior Nehru Cup and Junior Cup”, the newly sworn in Member of Parliament said.
Dilip Tirkey, easily the most capped Indian player, was speaking during the felicitation function organized by the Nehru Society on Friday to mark him making it to the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. Dilip is in Delhi to attend the ongoing Parliament session
Nehru Society organizes series of tournaments each year, and the age group ones are popular among the young and up coming players.
“Still I vividly remember those days in the early 90s we will be keenly waiting for spring when the Nehru’s Junior and Sub-Junior tournaments are held. We travelled long distance happily, and played our heart out to win honurs. We won many matches, titles and all helped us to motivate ourselves, and progress further in the lader”, Dilip Tirkey said.
In his introductory remarks, Kukoo Walia, Secretary, Nehru Society, made a power point presentation to highlight achievements, and awards the star has got in his long illustrious career.
“Therefore, I recognize importance and significance of the services rendered by the Society to domestic hockey, and it motivates me to further work for the development of our national game”, he went on to add, nostalgically”.
Two women hockey umpires, Sunita Pant and Nirmala Dagar, were also honoured for making it to the international grade.
Nehru Society’s president Subhas Chandra Yadav, vice presidents HS Hanspal, Dr. Mehboob Alam, triple Olympian Harbinder Singh, Subhas Kapoor were also present.