Dilip Tirkey retires from international hockey

New Delhi: Olympian and experienced Indian defender Dilip Tirkey today announced his retirement from the international hockey.

“I took the decision to retire from international hockey because I have been suffering from fitness related problems for quite a long time. My legs are not fit and I don’t think it is possible for me to return to the national squad in near future,” Tirkey told PTI Bhasha.

Tirkey, who made his international debut in 1995 against England in the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup, did not play the recent World Cup held here earlier this year.

The three-time Olympian and former India captain, Tirkey also said he was not satisfied with his international career.

“I could not fulfil my dream of clinching the World Cup title and Olympic medals. I did not get the chance to play in World Cup and would not be able to play in the Commonwealth Games at home. This grudge will remain throughout my life,” he said.