From Tirkey’s village, Rohidas makes a mark
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Dilip sir has a major role to play in my career and I hail from his village Sounamora only. He is a great motivation for the tribal kids. ›
I am happy for Rohidas. I was surprised to see him taking a hit while executing the penalty corner. This will add variation.
BHUBANESWAR: sport.”
From Michael Kindo, who was a member of the 1975 World Cup winning team, to three-time Olympian Tirkey to current World Cup team members Birendra Lakra and Rohidas, over 60 players — largely tribal — have made it to the international arena from Sundargarh district in the post-independence era.
“I am happy for Rohidas. I have seen him growing from his younger days and the way he is AMIT ROHIDAS, India player DILIP TIRKEY, Ex India captain
playing, he has a long way to go. I hope to see more and more players from the state making it to the Indian team,” says Tirkey, who has larger than life image in Odisha.
SILENCING CRITICS
After the bronze-medal finish at the Asian Games, Rohidas was dropped from the squad. After the announcement of the core probables for the Asian Champions Trophy that was to be carried forward to the World Cup, his name was suddenly included in the list.
But Saturday’s performance went a long way in silencing his critics. Even chief coach Harendra Singh indicated the same at the post-match press conference. “In today’s match, I have discovered the strength of two players about which I was not sure. I was in a fix how to use their abilities. But by taking a chance to play them in specific positions has turned out to be good move.”
Tirkey was happy with Rohidas’s execution.
“I was surprised to see Rohidas taking a hit while executing the penalty corner. This will add variation in taking penalty corners. Now we can have the option of both drag-flick and hit. That will keep the goalkeeper guessing,” said Tirkey.