A plaque displayed proudly on the wall inside the principal’s office of the government high school in Bhabanishankar (a block in Sundargarh) honours eight of its illustrious alumni.

Sundergarh is second largest of Odisha, was formed following the merger of two princely states – Gangapur and Bonai – in 1948. 

The plaque reads, “We are proud of” and lists seven names with their common title: IAS (Indian Administrative Service). The eighth name, Dilip Tirkey, is printed in a larger font and occupies a much more space in the plaque". Dilip Turkey played 400 international games for India.

This is the home district of Tirkey, Birendra Lakra, Indian vice captain and the new hero Amit Rohidas.
One of the integral elements of the hockey culture, here is the Khasi Cup, an inter- and/or intra-village village tribal hockey tournament. Khasi in Odiya means goat. The winning team of the tournament is awarded a goat. The players are given a hero’s welcome in their village. The goat they win is used for a celebratory gala feast for the entire village. And they players are treated like kings.

In this mineral rich district, kids are inspired by hockey. It helps them get a better life. A future. And international acclaim like now getting an Olympic medal after 41 years.

A special mention should be made in honour of the Orissa Government, the sponsors of national hockey teams.

Picture: Dilip Turkey.