ROURKELA 25-Apr-2007 76
Another distinction was added to the reputation of Panposh Sports Hostel (PSH) here when its former trainee Prabodh Tirkey was made the new National hockey captain and three of his hostelmates were included in team for the forthcoming Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia.
The three include Prabodh’s elder brother Ignace Tirkey, William Xalxo and Roshan Minz. Prabodh, a native of village Lulkidihi in Balishankara block of Sundargarh district, spent four years (1995-98) at the hostel, honning his skills under the guidance of coach Tej Kumar Xess.
PSH coach Sylvestor Toppo, who watched the development Prabodh, said the top job was not undeserving with his considerable exposure to international hockey. Kalu Charan Choudhury, another hostel coach, praised Prabodh for his uncommon ability in tackling and recovery. Choudhury is additionally happy for the belated inclusion of his former disciple Roshan.
Roshan, who hails from Kardapal village of neighbouring Deogarh district, spent five years (1994-99) in PSH and two years in Sundargarh Sports Hostel before he joined Air India in 2001. For Sameer Baxla and Mathias Minz, two current trainees of PSH, Prabodh, Ignace, William and Roshan have doubled their enthusiasm to make it big in the game.