Dilip Tirkey has done it

Many former players ascended to top posts in the politics cashing in on the familiarity the sport of hockey provided to them, but none has ever contributed back to the game.

simpleton Dilip Tirkey, a sitting Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), has proved he is different, and is hell bent on improving the game.

First he formed Hockey Gangpur team that plays in the various national championship.
Now, he has gone ahead.

Today, when the vice-president of India inaugurated the Biju Patnaik Rural Hockey Tournament in the tribal heartland of Orissa, a new vista is established.
Around 1500 teams will play in the tournament.

When it completes it will surely enter every record book being the world’s biggest hockey tournament.

Dilip Tirkey made his international debut in 1995 and played India in every top tournaments since then.

He led India at the Olympics too.

He was first employed in the Railways before moving to Indian Airlines (now merged with Air India).

The suave personality, the solid defender surprised many followers a couple of years ago when opted to resign from Air India and joining politics.

The ruling party of his State, Biju Janata Dal, took him on its wing and got him elected for prestigious Rajya Sabha.

Dilip Tirkey also contested unsuccessfully arliamentary election for upper house two years ago.