Sundargarh: The Land of Hockey Tigers 2025

Sundargarh Hockey Player Legacy: A Tradition of Champions

Sundargarh, a district in Odisha, has rightfully earned the title ‘The Cradle of Indian Hockey’ by producing some of the finest players in Indian hockey history. This district has been a major contributor to the sport at both national and international levels. From legendary Olympians to world-class captains, Sundargarh hockey players have shaped India’s hockey legacy.

The Rich Hockey Culture of Sundargarh

Sundargarh’s passion for hockey is unmatched. The game is not just a sport but a way of life here. With its deep tribal roots, Sundargarh hockey khela is played in almost every village, and natural talent flows in abundance. The district has world-class training centers, state-of-the-art stadiums, and government-backed initiatives that nurture young talent. The Sundargarh hockey team consistently produces top-tier athletes, many of whom go on to play at the national and international levels.

Legendary Sundargarh Hockey Player Name List

Here is a list of some of the most renowned Sundargarh hockey players who have made India proud:

1. Dilip Tirkey (Defender, Former Captain, Olympian)

• Represented India in three Olympics (1996, 2000, 2004)
• Played 412 international matches (most by any Indian player)
• Captained the Indian Hockey Team
• Awarded the Padma Shri (2004) & Arjuna Award (2002)
• Current President of Hockey India

2. Prabodh Tirkey (Midfielder, Former Captain)

• Captain of the Indian team that won the 2007 Asia Cup
• Played in multiple international tournaments
• Arjuna Award recipient

3. Amit Rohidas (Defender, Olympian)

• Key player in India’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics Bronze-winning team
• Played in the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup
• Emerging star in Indian hockey

4. Birendra Lakra (Defender, Olympian, Former Vice-Captain)

• Played in the 2012 & 2020 Olympics (Won Bronze in 2020)
• Gold medalist in the 2014 Asian Games
• Served as the Vice-Captain of India’s national team

5. Sunita Lakra (Defender, Former Captain, Olympian)

• Represented India in 2016 Rio Olympics
• Captained the Indian Women’s Hockey Team
• Led India to the 2018 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Final

6. Lilima Minz (Midfielder, Olympian)

• Played in the 2016 Rio Olympics
• Won 2017 Asia Cup Gold with Team India

7. Deep Grace Ekka (Defender, Olympian)

• Played in 2016 & 2020 Olympics (finished 4th in 2020)
• Key player in the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup victory
• Vice-Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team

8. Namita Toppo (Midfielder, Olympian)

• Gold Medalist in 2017 Women’s Asia Cup
• Represented India in the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup

9. Jyoti Sunita Kullu (Forward, Former Captain)

• Captain of the Indian Women’s Team in the early 2000s
• Won Gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games
• Arjuna Award recipient

International Tournaments Featuring Sundargarh Hockey Players

Sundargarh’s hockey players have represented India in numerous prestigious international tournaments, bringing glory to the nation.

Olympics

• 1996 Atlanta Olympics: Dilip Tirkey made his Olympic debut.
• 2000 Sydney Olympics: Dilip Tirkey played as a key defender.
• 2004 Athens Olympics: Dilip Tirkey and Ignace Tirkey represented India.
• 2020 Tokyo Olympics: India won the bronze medal, with contributions from Amit Rohidas, Birendra Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka.

Commonwealth Games

• 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games: Jyoti Sunita Kullu led India’s women’s team to a gold medal victory.
• 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games – The Indian women’s team, featuring Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo, finished fourth.

Asian Games

• 1998 Bangkok Asian Games: Dilip Tirkey won the gold medal.
• 2018 Jakarta Asian Games: Amit Rohidas and Deep Grace Ekka contributed significantly.

National Tournaments Promoting Hockey in Sundargarh

Sundargarh has a deep-rooted hockey culture, reflected in several prestigious national tournaments held in the district.

Sundargarh Hockey Tournament

• One of the biggest grassroots-level hockey tournaments in India.
• Features top local teams and emerging talents.

Hockey India National Championships

• Several Sundargarh hockey players represent Odisha in this premier domestic tournament.
• A key platform for young hockey players.

Odisha State Hockey Championships

• Features teams from different districts.
• A stepping stone for players to enter the national and international stage.

Inter-District Tribal Hockey Tournament

• Promotes hockey among Odisha’s tribal youth.
• Has produced many international players, including Dilip Tirkey, Prabodh Tirkey, and Deep Grace Ekka.

New Sundargarh Hockey Player to Watch in 2025

Current Players (Active in 2024-2025)

1. Amit Rohidas – Defender, part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bronze-winning team
2. Deep Grace Ekka – Defender, Vice-Captain of Indian Women’s Hockey Team
3. Lilima Minz – Midfielder, represented India in multiple international tournaments
4. Namita Toppo – Midfielder, Gold Medalist in 2017 Women’s Asia Cup
5. Salima Tete – Midfielder, young and emerging player in Indian women’s hockey
6. Jyoti Chhatri – Midfielder, a rising star in Indian women’s hockey
7. Bikash Lakra – Defender, part of India’s Junior Hockey Team
8. Sudeep Chirmako – Forward, talented young player in junior-level tournaments
9. Pankaj Kumar Rajak – Goalkeeper, emerging player in national-level tournaments

Sundargarh Hockey Player Wikipedia & Sportsnet Hockey Stats

Many Sundargarh hockey players have detailed profiles on Wikipedia, showcasing their achievements. For detailed stats on international performance, the Sportsnet hockey staff provides insights into players’ performances.

Sundargarh Hockey Trophy & Future Prospects

Despite its massive contribution, Sundargarh hockey faces challenges like:

• Lack of advanced infrastructure in rural areas
• Need for more financial support for grassroots players
• Requirement of world-class training facilities

However, the Odisha Government and Hockey India are making major efforts by:

• Building world-class stadiums like Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
• Providing scholarships and training programs for young talents.
• Ensuring global exposure for upcoming players.

Conclusion

Sundargarh is undeniably India’s hockey capital. The district’s unparalleled contribution to the sport has placed India on the global hockey map. With a rich legacy, strong government support, and an undying passion for the game, Sundargarh hockey players will continue to dominate the sport in the years to come.