With the retirement of Dilip Tirkey, an era has come to an end. Competitive hockey can never forget the charisma and competence of the most dependable Dilip Tirkey. Tirkey has signed off from international hokey on Sunday. But he is a true ambassador of the game. He is a true gentleman.

He has started his hokey from the pastoral ambience of the remote villages in the Sundargarh districts of Orissa. His journey from Sundargarh to the Olympics is no less than a fairy tale. He has made it possible by his strong determination and dedication. He has played three Olympics in a row from 1996 to 2004.

He was the captain of the team in the Athens Olympics. Between 1995and 2001, Tirkey had never missed a single international match. This shows his level of fitness and form. His hard work, fortitude and pure proficiency have been extraordinary. He is a true patriot and an icon for the youth. He has received the prestigious Arjuna Award in the year 2001 and Padma Shri in the year 2004. World Hockey will miss a charismatic player like Dilip Tirkey.