Odisha is a state where many hockey players find a place in men’s and women’s senior teams. Hockey has been the most followed sport and lately has become popular because of Odisha government initiatives to take hockey to the international level. There are many sporting talents in Odisha, and corporates, sponsors, and the chief minister’s supportive steps make hockey a popular sport in Odisha. In rural areas, where lack of facilities hamper the progress of hockey, the Odisha government ensure hockey will spread over all remote places to encourage people to support their children’s dream career. Hockey Odisha announced major changes and shuffles to ensure each place in Odisha rises and develops a better hockey infrastructure from the grassroots levels.
Hockey players who make Odisha proud
There are hockey players who hail from Odisha and represent the indian men’s and women’s teams. Current hockey India president and Olympian Dilip Tirkey is from Odisha Sundergarh district. In this article, I will let you know hockey players who are from Odisha and played for India in many prestigious international hockey events. Here in this article I will let you know hockey players from Odisha who becomes a hockey stalwart and a big contributor of indian hockey rise.
1.Dillip Tirkey, Current Hockey India President
- Dilip Tirkey, one of the best drag flickers and towering stalwart defenders in the backline, is now the Hockey India President.
- In his playing days, Dilip Tirkey was a phenomenal defender and an inspirational game leader. His contribution towards developing hockey is immensely fruitful and a positive sign for all upcoming players from Odisha.
- Hailing from Sudergarh district, Dilip breaks the shackles of the opponent’s defence with powerful, lethal drag-flick and is a commendable stalwart in the back line.
- He is now the hockey president of India and is on a mission to inspire fellow upcoming talented players to take hockey as their solo sporting career and aim to play for team India.
- He captained the team that won silver at the 2002 asian games. He was also prominent hockey player that won the gold medal at the bangkok asian games in 1998.
2.Dipsan Tirkey
- Dipsan Tirkey is a young, dynamic Indian field hockey player who plays a defender and a role that he highly cherishes.
- He was a team member of the 2016 men’s hockey junior world cup. Playing with high-tempo speed and dribbling skills, Dipsan has guided his team to win many titles in his name.
- He was the vice-captain when the 2016 men’s hockey junior world cup was held, and nowadays, he is in the Indian men’s squad for upcoming international tournaments.
3.Deep Grace Ekka
- For the women’s team, Deep Grace Ekka is certainly made an immense mark in international hockey arena.
- She was chosen for the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2022 following her stellar performance in the women’s team. She started her hockey career as a defender and can play any position for the team.
- She helped Odisha to be crowned the national school hockey championship under 17 in 2009. Since then, Deep Grace Ekka has been the pillar and backbone of the women’s team.
4.Namita Toppo
- Another highly talented hockey player from the Sundargarh district is Namita Toppo. She has been conferred the 28th Eklavya Award for her hockey skills and attitude, which she brings to the game.
- Namita was part of the Olympic squad, representing Team India after 36 years. It is indeed a great achievement, and Namita’s hard work and rigorous training helped to accomplish her hockey career.
- In the Rio Olympics, Namita was asked to sit on the floor of the train while returning to their home. Toppo was awarded for excellency and immense contribution in both state level and international circuits.
Conclusion
Hockey India announced its vision to let hockey Odisha become a popular sport and create interest among the talented, skilful players from Odisha. With sponsors and a high level of hockey initiatives, the future of hockey is quite phenomenal. These hockey players from Odisha made a strong contribution and helped the next generation of players to guide, mentor and inspire to let hockey reach its glorious days
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