Discussions around modern-day sport often see the topic of ‘GOAT’ being debated furiously. But for hockey in Odisha, there is no debate about the role of the goat in acting as a passive catalyst in the growth of the game in the state.

It is the ‘Khasi’ tournaments that are held in the tribal regions of the state, especially in Sundergarh district, which have developed many a hockey player of repute from Odisha. ‘Khasi’ means the male goat, which is given as prize to the winners of these meets.

Dilip Tirkey, former India captain and current Hockey India president, says: “Most of us have a good experience of these tournaments. It’s a part of our culture. Be it Olympians or other international players, everyone has gone through this beautiful phase. Hockey is an obsession here in Sundergarh.

“Players from the area have stamina, a willingness to excel and a determination to play for the country. The locals encourage the youths by organising the ‘Khasi’ tournaments.”

Charlu Barla, the sarapancha of Saunamara panchayat in Sundergarh district, explained the practice. “With the passage of time, some visible changes have been made in the game. Now we are giving khasi to the runners-up also. If we have money, we give a bigger khasi, money and a trophy to the winning team. The runners-up team will get a smaller one. Earlier, they (runners-up) were given kukuda (rooster).

The organisers who don’t have money, give a goat only to the winning team and the runners-up end up with a kukuda.”

The hockey field in such tournaments is mostly an undulating plot of land, roughly 100 metres on each side, punctuated with patches of grass and weed.

“The joy of participating in the ‘Khasi’ tournaments acts as a sort of encouragement that brings out the best among the rural youths. The players grow up eating water-rice (pakhal bhaat), mandia and green leaf (saga) and seek entertainment by participating in the ‘Khasi’ tournaments. It is organised all over the district mostly in the winter season. The game has progressed by leaps and bounds in the entire state, but Sundergarh is the hub of hockey,” said Peter Tirkey, the first player from Odisha to represent India at the national (junior) level in 1980s.

Another former India international from the state, Lazarus Barla, said: “Basically, we come from poor backgrounds. The organisers had no money but they wanted to promote hockey. As goats are available here in plenty, the organisers give goats as prize. The winning team later organise a feast. That continues to motivate people. It’s a community activity that makes our bond stronger.”

The Sundergarh district has produced a number of international players, including Dilip Tirkey, Lazarus, Birendra Lakra, Ignace Tirkey, Prabodh Tirkey, Peter Tirkey, Roshan Minz and current India team players Amit Rohidas and Nilam Sanjeep Xess.