Home support inspiration for Odisha players

BHUBANESWAR: Playing before the home crowd, including parents, friends and even enemies always makes one excited. No wonder, local stars Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas and Dipsan Tirkey — part of the Indian hockey team at the Hockey World League Final — are all geared up.

“There will always be a little bit of pressure at a big event like this . But I am excited and waiting to play in front of my home crowd. I am expecting many of my friends and family to come and watch our matches,” said Lakra, a fullback who returns to the India side after a long injury layoff. He last played for India during the Australia tour in December last. “People are crazy about hockey in Odisha and the support we enjoy in Bhubaneswar always makes this a special venue for the Indian team.”

While Rohidas had an impressive run in this year’s Hockey India League that propelled him to the senior core group, Tirkey is a Junior World Cup hero who has made a smooth transition into the senior team. “This is the first time we will be playing for India in front of our home crowd in Odisha,” said Tirkey, 19.

“We have played plenty of HIL matches in Kalinga Stadium but, of course, this is a different platform,” added defender and dragflicker Rohidas who was impressive in India’s Asia Cup win.

That the two will play alongside Lakra in the backline is comforting for them. “It is not just Birendra but seniors like Manpreet and Rupinder have also been encouraging. They have been guiding us in every session. As a team, we have worked hard and the fact that we did well in Belgium and the Asia Cup will motivate us,” says Rohidas.

Tirkey feels they are mentally prepared and have no burden of expectations after one-to-one chat with coach Sjoerd Marijne. “The coach has had one-to-one chat with us on mental preparation for this tournament. We are aware of our individual duties and our focus is to execute the team’s strategies without letting pressure of expectation affect us,” states Tirkey.

Alongside them will be Nilam Sanjeep Xess, a young fullback from Sundargarh district, who is among the 200-plus volunteers at the event. “I can get to watch them closely. This will be an experience that will benefit my game too,” said Nilam.