Bhubaneswar: Dipsan Tirkey will lead out the Men in Blue when the Indian hockey team take part in a six-nation international tournament later this month.

Odisha has a rich history as a supply line for the Indian team and the legendary Dilip Tirkey has also led the national team. The defender will, however, lead the India U-23 team at the tournament in Belgium from July 14 to 21.

Apart from India and hosts Belgium, the other participating nations are Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia and the Netherlands. India will play their opening match against Ireland on July 14. Hardik Singh has been named the vice-captain.

"We will be playing against some of the best youth teams. It will help us gather the necessary exposure and prepare for upcoming tournaments," he said.

Two other players from the state - Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Shilanand Lakra - have also been included in the team.

Tirkey was vice-captain of the Indian Junior Men's World Cup squad in 2017. He also received the State Sports Award last year for his contribution to the sport.

His professional journey into the sport began from Panposh Sports Hostel in 2009.

"I am practising hard to ensure there are no weak points before leaving for the tournament," said Tirkey, who hails fro Sundargarh.

He feels the government's efforts to host hockey camps would help make the game even more popular.

"The state is afflicted with insurgency and a lot of extremism, especially my native district, but hockey is very popular. If workshops are hosted regularly, then it would become easier for the enthusiasts to get selected during the trials," he says.

Dipsan says the younger generations have a lot to learn from the senior players.

A number of sportspersons from Odisha have been selected for the Asian Games in Jakarta later this year.

Purnima Hembram will compete in the heptathlon event, while Rutaparna Panda will represent India in badminton. Athletes Jauna Murmu and Dutee Chand will also take part in the games.