After submitting his nomination papers, Tirkey said his intention was to take the sport to greater heights.
“I have submitted my candidacy for the position of President of Hockey India with the blessing of all. I pledge to take indian hockey to new heights,” Tirkey posted on his official Twitter account.
I submitted my candidacy for the position of President of Hockey India with everyone’s blessing. I pledge to take i… https://t.co/0KbAADKTKZ
— Dilip Kumar Tirkey (@DilipTirkey) 1663484442000
Tirkey, 44, a former full-back, was elected unopposed in the Rajya Sabha as one of three Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidates.
Prior to that, he worked as president of Odisha Tourism Development Corporation. Currently, he is president of Odisha Hockey Promotion Council.
Tirkey was a member of the Indian teams that won gold and silver in Bangkok in 1998 and 2012 Busan Asian Games respectively.
Besides, he won two gold medals in Asian Cup 2003 in Kuala Lumpur and 2007 in Chennai as well as a bronze medal in 1999.
Hockey India elections are due to be held by October 9 and former Bihar government election officer, Ajay Nayak had been appointed returning officer for the poll.