How do you feel after Asian gold medalIJ
Birendra lakra (Bl): This is a matter of great pride and honour for me to be the part of the gold winning team. The Indian men hockey team lived its dream of bringing home the gold on October 2 at the 17th Asian Games 2014. With this win, India seals a berth in the 2016, Rio Olympic Games.
What was your contribution and reactionIJ
The match between India and Pakistan is always a high voltage match in any tournament. The nail biting final match ended in 1-1 goal draw in the stipulated time. I was felt awesome after nailing a goal in the tie breaker round.
Once upon a time Odisha players dominated the national platformIJ
When Dilip Trikey was the captain of national team at that period six to seven players always in the national squad in all format, but on present context I am the only players playing in the national team. Our junior players are doing well in the national arena. The association and the State Government should give special interest for hockey.
How the team will perform in the Champions TrophyIJ
After the gold medal in the Asian Games the moral of the team is very high. The 35th Men’s Champions Trophy will be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from December 6 to 14. For me this will be the first international match I will play in front of home crowd.
Players are leaving our State for livelihoodIJ
Playing for the State is always a matter of pride and who want to leave home land. You will agree with me maximum players of our State belongs to lower middle class. If they will not get jobs in the State then how they will lead their lives. I am the employee of Bhart PetroleumCorporation limited (BPCl).
Do you have any expectation from the State GovernmentIJ
Now Bhubaneswar is having a beautiful hockey stadium which is international standard. If the State Government will provide me a plot in the city for my residence I will practice at Kalinga Stadium which will also help the junior players to learn from me.