Odisha's efforts for hockey have reflected in people supporting me, says new Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey
Tirkey spoke to TimesofIndia.com about his new post that comes with new challenges. The HI elections were due on October 1, but with no contestants for the posts, the names of the office-bearers elected unopposed were announced on Thursday.
Read AlsoDilip Tirkey becomes first player-president of Hockey IndiaFormer India captain Dilip Tirkey on Friday became Hockey India's first player-president after his unopposed election to the top post as yet another sportsperson has grabbed the top job in a National Sports Federation (NSF).
Bhola Nath Singh, who had also filed his nomination for the president's post before withdrawing it, will be the new secretary general of the federation. The 44-year-old Tirkey, who is the most capped India international with 412 matches, spoke to TimesofIndia.com hours after being elected as the new HI president. Excerpts...Before the feeling sinks in, did you expect to be elected unopposed?Rakesh Katyal ji and Bhola Nath ji had also filed nominations for the post of the president. I thank them so much for supporting me, as they decided to withdraw their candidature. Also, all state hockey bodies thought about me and supported me. Besides being a hockey icon, do you believe your active administrative career in the Odisha government helped you in winning?Odisha government and our honourable Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ji has been doing a lot for hockey and its infrastructure, like world class stadiums besides hosting tournaments like the World Cup and conducting coaching programmes. Somewhere I feel his efforts for hockey have reflected in the way people have supported me. You have been in various official roles in Odisha over the past few years. Do you think that experience will help you in