Background
Dilip Tirkey was born to Vincent Tirkey an Oraon, Adivasi and former Oriya hockey player and Regina Tirkey on 24 November 1977.
Dilip Tirkey was born to Vincent Tirkey an Oraon, Adivasi and former Oriya hockey player and Regina Tirkey on 24 November 1977.
Attended, Air India Hockey Academy, New Delhi.
He was best known for his penalty corner hit. Dilip was one of the most difficult defenders (because of his tight marking skill near goal post) to beat in the world. He was an ex-captain of Indian hockey team
On 22 March 2012, he was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha as one of the three Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidates to the Upper House of Indian Parliament.
He made his debut in 1995 against England. He represented India in 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics and had a total of 412 international caps.
He is the only Adivasi to represent India in three Olympics. On 2 May 2010, he announced his retirement from the international arena.
He declined to become a national selector on 16 July 2010, three days after he was offered the post by Indian Hockey Federation.
Married Mira Tirkey.