Will suggest FIH to launch a six-a-side World Cup: Dilip Tirkey

New Delhi: Impressed with the ever-growing popularity of T20 cricket, former India hockey captain Dilip Tirkey has decided to suggest the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to introduce a six-a-side World Cup to popularise the game in new countries.

"There used to be only one 50-over World Cup in cricket but now they have T20 WC which is immensely popular. It has bought new viewers for cricket. We can do similar experiment in hockey with six-a-side World Cup," Tirkey told PTI Bhasha.

"We have only one World Cup in hockey. I strongly believe that we need a mini six-a-side World Cup in hockey," he added.

The three-time Olympian, who is considered as one of the greatest defenders of Indian hockey, said that he will write to FIH regarding this.

"I will write to FIH and Asian Hockey Federation in this regard. This format is very popular in Europe and it can be accepted globally," said Tirket, a Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha.

Tirkey feels that World Cup has its own charm and it can popularise hockey in new countries. "There are so many World Cups in shooting and archery hence these games are played in so many countries. We need similar approach in hockey to spread it globally. Six-a-side World Cup can be held between the World Cup and Olympics with the participation of 16 to 18 teams," said the veteran.

He also spoke in favour of the new rule of counting one field goal as two in the next Hockey India League. "We can add more spice in the game with new experiments. This new rule of counting one field goal as two is good as it will reduce dependence on penalty corner specialists. We will be able to see fantastic field goals which are rare now-a-days. Apart from this players will become technically sound," Tirkey said.

"This will promote artistic hockey which will suit Asian countries including India as we have always played artistic hockey. This rule will make defenders and strikers equally important," he added.