Bhubaneswar: Former Hockey India captain Padmashree Dilip Tirkey has been elected as the president of Hockey India. Tirkey is the first Odia to chair the top position of the national game body. An Arjun awardee, Tirkey won the election unopposed after two other aspirants withdrew their nomination papers, paving the path for Tirkey to assume the highest office of Hockey India.
Uttar Pradesh Hockey chief Rakesh Katyal and Hockey Jharkhand’s Bhola Nath Singh had filed nominations for the election to the national federation. However, both have withdrawn their papers today. Hockey India elections were scheduled to be held on October 1 but the results were declared in advance as there were no contestants for any of the posts.
“When the number of contesting candidates for any posts is equal or less than the number of posts, they shall be deemed to have been elected unopposed. Therefore, we are pleased to observe that the Executive Board of Hockey India stands elected,” read a release issued by International Hockey Federation. Appreciating officials and FIH for conducting smooth elections, Tirkey tweeted, “I will ensure that Indian hockey reaches new heights.”
