ROURKELA: Dilip Tirkey, the world’s most capped hockey player and icon for the tribal of Sundargarh district, has carved another role for himself as the initiator, mentor and propagator of six-a-side hockey in Orissa, Last year, to begin with he had organized successfully a six-a-side hockey tournament in the state’s capital Bhubaneswar to introduce the game in the state. But since state’s entire hockey is revolve around the tribal players of Sundargarh district, to which Dilip Tirkey himself belongs, it was more appropriate to introduce the game at the source –Sundargarh district.‘Charity begins at home’ so he rightly chose his own village- SAUNAMARA- around 30 Km away from Sundargarh town, to introduce the concept, format and rules of the play to the local players.

Primarily with the objective to introduce six-a-side hockey in the district Dilip Tirkey organized a one day six-a-side hockey tournament at SAUNAMARA on 18th October. Six village teams participated in the BENJAMIN Memorial six-a-side hockey tournament. The participating teams – Sauanamara, Teleikaani, BudaBahal, TangarBahal, Limdidhi and Lulkidihi were divided in two groups and after the league matches two top teams from each group qualified for the finals. Dilip’s village and Ignace , Prabodh’s village team Lulkidihi topped their groups to meet each other in the finals. While Dilip Tirkey’s presence, albeit as organizer, was proving morale booster for his village team, former national captain Prabodh Tirkey was doing the same role for his village Lulkidihi team. Apart from this both the teams looked equally balanced with presence one international player in both the sides. Sunil Ekka, who hails from Lulkiddihi was assisting his village team while Bikash Toppo appeared for Saunamara team.

The presence of ‘internationals’ in the tournament added special flavour to the tournament. There was lot of excitement before the start of the summit clash. Saunamara, being the host was favourite with the crowd. But Lulkidihi team remained cool and with their coordinated and cohesive moves they very soon established control over the match. At the breather Lulkidihi were ahead 5-2. In the second half they became more confident and added 7 more goals to their kitty. Saunamara could score only one more goal thus eventually the score line 12-3 stood in favour of Lulkidihi.

Winners Lulkidihi was presented with a trophy and Rs.3100 cash. Sauanmara received Rs.2100.
Srimati Serofina Toppo, Charman of Sundargarh Zilla Parishad was the chief guest and she distributed the prizes. Sylvester Toppo, the veteran hockey coach was also felicitated at the occasion.

Dilip Tirkey while proposing the votes of thanks at the end declared that he would do everything possible to promote hockey in the district. He said six a side hockey enhances one’s skill and stamina. This format need less space and fewer players but it keeps every player on the toe all the time so agility increases. He further said he would visit to other parts of the district to promote this new, shorter but more entertaining format of hockey through which real hockey would get players in big quantity and better quality.