‘I Could Not Play In Olympics And It Rankles My Mind’
Former India hockey captain Prabodh Tirkey was a livewire in the midfield during a decade-long international career.But his team’s disastrous campaign in Chili in 2008, when India failed to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time, remains a sore point. Hailing from a hockey-playing family at Lulkidihi village in Sundargarh district, Prabodh debuted in 1999 with the junior team and continued playing till 2010. At present, he is working with Air India as a senior manager in Bhubaneswar. MCL caught up with the former hockey star for a chat during a visit to Rourkela. Excerpts:
How Do You View Your Hockey Career?
I will say not very satisfactory. Injury and some other things were hindrances in my career. I could not play in Olympics and that will rankle my mind throughout life.
What Was The Biggest Jolt You Suffered?
It was our failure to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It robbed me of an opportunity to be called an ‘Olympian’. I played for more than 10 years for the country, but couldn’t play in the Olympic Games.It will remain the most painful thing for me. After all, playing in the Olympic Games gives a sense of fulfilment to a sportsperson.
Coming To The Forthcoming Hockey World Cup In Bhubaneswar, There Is No Player From Odisha In The List Of Indian probables.What Is Your reaction?
It has baffled and shocked me. I cannot believe it yet. Birender and Amit Rohidas were in the Asian Games team. I was expecting more players from Odisha to be called, atleast for the national camp. Junior national team captain Dipsan Tirkey and Nilam Sanjeep Xess certainly deserved a place in the camp.
So, What Are Your Suggestions For Improving State Hockey?
First of all,the state must form a professional team. And this goes for both men and women. The best talents from Odisha must be nurtured at one place under a professional coach and all of them should be given jobs in the state. Until that happens, our best players would be forced to seek jobs in other states and then would play against their own state. We are unable to retain our best talents and this is primarily why Odisha is yet to win a senior national championship.One more thing I would like to add is that the senior hockey hostels must remain at Panposh and Sundargarh. If junior and senior players stay at the same place, both will benefit.
Should Odisha Have Two Hockey Associations?
I don’t find it very helpful for state hockey. People argue that it provides opportunities to a greater number of state players to play in national championships. But I feel having two teams weakensOdisha’s prospects of fielding a composite, stronger team comprising the best players.
The State Government Has Given A Handsome Incentive To Asian Games Medallist Dutee Chand. How Do You See It?
It is a very good gesture from the government. Money motivates a player. It will inspire other sportspersons to purse sports more seriously. At the same time, the government should also spend more money at the ground level.
We Have Heard That You Are Now Interested In Joining Politics. Is It True?
Yes, I am thinking of doing so. I feel I can serve my people in a better way by joining politics. For instance, more than a dozen international players hail from my native place and surrounding villages. But it is difficult to speak to each other over mobile because of very weak signal there. I wish I could be of some help. I am yet to get a direct offer from any party. But if a party gives me a ticket to contest elections, I will certainly grab it.