Kolkata: Hockey India President and former India Men’s Hockey Team Captain Dilip Tirkey has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club (CSJC) for his exceptional contribution to Indian hockey.
The event became a memorable sporting occasion as Sourav Ganguly, former Indian cricket captain, and Leander Paes, tennis legend, felicitated Tirkey during the ceremony held in Kolkata.
Expressing his gratitude, Tirkey said, “Grateful to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club for my contribution to Indian hockey. It was a special moment to be felicitated by two legends, Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paes. Thank you for this honour and for all the love and support throughout my journey.”
Dilip Tirkey, regarded as one of the finest defenders in the history of Indian hockey, made his international debut in 1995 against England. Over a glorious career spanning more than 15 years, he represented India in 412 international matches, becoming the first player in the world to cross 400 caps.
He played in three Olympic Games — Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 — and remains the only tribal hockey player to have represented India at three Olympics. In 2002, Tirkey was appointed captain, becoming the first tribal player to lead the Indian hockey team in the post-independence era.
Under his leadership, India won silver at the 2002 Asian Games and gold at the 2003 Afro-Asian Games. He was also part of the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games gold-winning team and the 2003 Asia Cup champion squad in Malaysia. Tirkey captained India at the 2006 Men’s Hockey World Cup in Germany and also featured in the 1998 World Cup (Netherlands) and 2002 World Cup (Malaysia).
Renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, precise tackling, and immaculate ball control, Tirkey was known for his swift footwork and sharp interceptions, earning him a reputation as one of the world’s best defenders.
After an illustrious international career, he announced his retirement on May 2, 2010. Today, as President of Hockey India, Tirkey continues to play a key role in developing grassroots hockey and strengthening India’s presence on the global stage.
At his home district of Sundargarh, Odisha, Tirkey is revered as a sporting hero and a source of inspiration for generations of young athletes.
The Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club Awards honour outstanding achievements in Indian sport, and Tirkey’s recognition stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy and contribution to Indian hockey.
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