Hockey World Cup: Will revive hockey culture in regions where there has been a decline, says Dilip Tirkey | Hockey News – Times of India
ROURKELA: Dilip Tirkey, the president of Hockey India, is a proud man as Sundargarh district, where he hails from, is hosting its maiden World Cup, a moment he hadn’t imagined. The former ace defender spoke to TOI on the World Cup, hockey beyond Odisha and more.
Excerpts:
Odisha has hosted two consecutive World Cups, what has the journey been like?
As a regular in the Indian camp, when I came to Bhubaneswar during breaks there was no ground for practice. So, I would just train or do fitness routines during my visits. In 2003, I got an opportunity to sit next to the chief minister during a youth program. I used that opportunity to tell him that an artificial turf in Bhubaneswar would be of great help. He thought about it for two minutes and told me to give a written proposal. My thinking wasn’t big, I was looking at a ground for us to train, but clearly his vision was different. He said it should be one of the best stadiums in the country. And here we are 20 years later, with world-class facilities.
Growing up, did you think Rourkela could host a World Cup?
I never thought that such an infrastructure could come up in Rourkela. A world-class stadium with 20,000+ capacity, five-star accommodation for the players and an airport nearby. I never dreamt that the city would host a World Cup. Given the craze of people here for hockey, I guess God just answered their prayers. This has been made possible because of the support of our chief minister Naveen Patnaik. I’m proud to say that the two best stadiums in the country are in Odisha.
In a city like Rourkela, with limited connectivity, how sustainable will such infrastructure be?
The Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar is an example. It has been in existence for a few years and has been utilised well. Apart from premier events, the facility has hosted national camps, friendly matches and tournaments at all levels. In Rourkela too, we intend to replicate the module. Our plans include national camps for all age groups. Also, the Bisra Munda stadium here will host the Pro League next month. We will ensure the stadium is not under-utilised.
Beyond Odisha, what are the plans for places like Karnataka, Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, where there has been a decline in hockey?
The current state of these places is very sad. More so because they are the land of legends. We will work towards reviving hockey culture in regions where there has been a decline. At Hockey India, we are planning to visit state associations and will ask them to put together definitive programmes from the grassroots level. If required we will go to the chief ministers / sports ministers and seek their assistance.
Excerpts:
Odisha has hosted two consecutive World Cups, what has the journey been like?
As a regular in the Indian camp, when I came to Bhubaneswar during breaks there was no ground for practice. So, I would just train or do fitness routines during my visits. In 2003, I got an opportunity to sit next to the chief minister during a youth program. I used that opportunity to tell him that an artificial turf in Bhubaneswar would be of great help. He thought about it for two minutes and told me to give a written proposal. My thinking wasn’t big, I was looking at a ground for us to train, but clearly his vision was different. He said it should be one of the best stadiums in the country. And here we are 20 years later, with world-class facilities.
Growing up, did you think Rourkela could host a World Cup?
I never thought that such an infrastructure could come up in Rourkela. A world-class stadium with 20,000+ capacity, five-star accommodation for the players and an airport nearby. I never dreamt that the city would host a World Cup. Given the craze of people here for hockey, I guess God just answered their prayers. This has been made possible because of the support of our chief minister Naveen Patnaik. I’m proud to say that the two best stadiums in the country are in Odisha.
In a city like Rourkela, with limited connectivity, how sustainable will such infrastructure be?
The Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar is an example. It has been in existence for a few years and has been utilised well. Apart from premier events, the facility has hosted national camps, friendly matches and tournaments at all levels. In Rourkela too, we intend to replicate the module. Our plans include national camps for all age groups. Also, the Bisra Munda stadium here will host the Pro League next month. We will ensure the stadium is not under-utilised.
Beyond Odisha, what are the plans for places like Karnataka, Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, where there has been a decline in hockey?
The current state of these places is very sad. More so because they are the land of legends. We will work towards reviving hockey culture in regions where there has been a decline. At Hockey India, we are planning to visit state associations and will ask them to put together definitive programmes from the grassroots level. If required we will go to the chief ministers / sports ministers and seek their assistance.
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