Anyone Entering Politics Has To Be Like A Wall, Says Dilip Tirkey, The Wall Of Indian hockey

Dilip Tirkey is not Lionel Richie. But when asked the reason he got into politics, he sounds like the American pop star, who once sang, “There comes a time, when we heed a certain call.” (More Hockey News)

That was the opening line of ‘We Are the World’, when 46 pop and rock superstars assembled together in the 80s for a charity initiative in Africa. Several years later, and in a different context, heeding a certain call is what Tirkey did when he stepped into the political ring about a decade ago. The former India hockey defender and Olympian, nicknamed ‘The Wall of Indian Hockey’, became a Rajya Sabha MP. He then contested in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and went down fighting to the BJP’s Jual Oram. 

Currently, Tirkey, who hails from the tribal village of Saunamara in Odisha, is the president of Hockey India. He is busy with preparations for the Men’s World Cup, to be held in his home state from January 13. Matches will take place in Rourkela and Bhubaneswar. While the state capital is no stranger to big games, Rourkela will be a debutant host. It has built a modern stadium for the event and named it after Birsa Munda, the tribal freedom fighter.    

Outlook chatted with Tirkey about World Cup preparations, and his experience of politics. 

How are the World Cup preparations coming along?

It has been a dream to bring the World Cup to Rourkela, where hockey runs in the blood of the people. Preparations are on in full swing. The Indian team arrived here on December 27 and will be using the main pitch to prepare. Some finishing touches to the venue are being given. 

The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar has already established itself as a world-class venue. Now the onus is on us to ensure the teams and spectators enjoy the hockey experience in both Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. 

The response from fans has been good, too. Tickets for all India matches sold out within 24 hours of sales commencing. 

Any concerns about new Covid cases?  

I have read reports about the recent surge in some countries. All precautions and checks have been put in place to help ensure a smooth tournament. 

The women’s team won the FIH Nations Cup a few days ago. What are your comments on their performance?  

It was an amazing feat. They’ve had a fantastic year, winning the CWG 2022 bronze medal and a third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League. The Nations Cup win has earned the women’s team a spot in the Women’s Pro League next year, so this is an important win for the team. Ahead of the Asian Games next year, it is a shot in their arm. I have nothing but praise for (captain) Savita Punia and Co and I hope they continue to bring more glory and medals.

You also waded into political waters after your playing career. What made you do that?

Everyone has things they want to do or contribute towards. And there comes a time, when a person must do something about that; either for society, sports, for the tribal people, as I come from the tribal community. That is why I joined politics. 

I also had the blessings of our CM, Naveenji Patnaik, and for that I’m grateful to him. Even when I was a player, he was there for us. Some years ago, hockey was slipping in our country. But the Odisha government took up the sport in a big way.  They are sponsoring all of Hockey India. See where hockey is today. And now we are ready to host the World Cup. (Odisha committed Rs 100 crore towards sponsoring the Indian men’s and women’s teams from 2018 to 2023. They have announced they will extend the deal for ten years after 2023).

What issues would bother you personally, and which you wanted to address as a politician?

Being an athlete I knew sports the best, and the challenges a sportsperson faces.  But as a political figure your radar cannot be limited to sports. Har ek sector me itne issues aapko dikhenge (You will see so many issues in every sector). Education, health, farmers, tribals. You have to get involved with them. I guess that’s what happened with me.  

Most of my work was in sports though. I was involved in a drive to demand the Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand, support for Mohammed Shahid and his family and worked towards increasing the National Sports Development Fund.

Like Rahul Dravid, you were called The Wall. Does one have to be like a wall in politics?

Anyone entering politics has to be like a wall. People don’t always think highly of politicians but they have to be there to face situations and take care of problems. 

What did you learn from your defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections?

It didn’t go the way I hoped it would. The hockey field is relatively small. Politics bada maidan hai (Politics is a big game). You need to prepare accordingly. I feel my preparation was lacking. 

Will you contest again?

If the party gives me a chance, I will.

Sportspersons like Gautam Gambhir are full-time politicians now, and you’ve had a stint as well. Do you think more athletes should get into politics? 

Bilkul (Certainly). We are lucky we got to play for India, when thousands don’t. So when we get a chance to do something for people, we should.