Indian hockey players felicitated months after their Asia Cup win

Nearly two months after the Indian hockey team won the Asia Cup Tournament, the Orissa Government today felicitated five players of the wining team with cash reward of Rs 2.5 lakh each.

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 : Nearly two months after the Indian hockey team won the Asia Cup Tournament, the Orissa Government today felicitated five players of the wining team with cash reward of Rs 2.5 lakh each.

In a felicitation ceremony at the Kalinga Stadium here, the stars of India's national game were appreciated for their outstanding contribution.

Indian hockey team captain Prabodh Tirkey, Dilip Tirkey, Williamalxo, Ignace Tirkey and Roshan Minz were part of the Indian team, whichifted the Asia Cup hockey title in Chennai on September 9 defeatingouth Korea by 7-2.

"Although things have been delayed a lot, I am happy that we have got the recognition at last. After so many years, we have been appreciated for ourontribution and are being given cash awards. I want this trend to continuend hope other players are also given recognition," said Dilip Tirkey.

The ceremony took place after the hockey players expressed their unhappiness on the step-motherly treatment given to them in the country in comparison to the national cricket team.

"I think, everybody should be given due credit. They (cricket team) played in the national team and won the (T20) world cup; we also played in the national team and won the Asia cup. We should get equal recognition. Hockey should also be there in the limelight," said Prabodh Tirkey.

ANI