Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Asia Cup Hockey 2025, Delhi based hockey historian K Arumugam’s book ‘Turf Battles’ was released by Hockey India President Padmashree Dilip Tirkey here at Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday. The book speaks about the Indian glorious Asia Cup journey. The book was supported by Bhasukinath Group and Delhi based NGO, OTHL.
While releasing the book Dilip Tirkey said “K Arumugam’s 15th book is Turf Battles. Five months back his last book ‘March of Glory’ the story of India's 1975 World Cup triumph. In my long association with the author. I found his passion for hockey. He also wrote a book on my biography entitled ‘Olympic captain Dilip Tirkey”.
Only six Indian players have won the Asia Cup gold twice, two are from tribal areas, Dilip Tirkey and Bimal Lakra from Odisha. Dilip is among the three players who participated four times in the Asia Cup.
“Though I had played in the Asia Cup four times and also won twice, but had forgotten, this book reminds and refreshes my memories” added Tirkey.
“We have won the Asia Cup thrice, I was part of them in 2003 and 2007. The third time India won in the year 2017. It's the third time India hosts the Asia Cup after 1989 and 2007. The 12th edition of Asia Cup will commence in two days at Rajgir, Bihar from 29th August to 7 September 2025: added Tirkey.
“For getting the information the new generation of the country is more dependable on the digital forum. The available information is always not correct. All my effort in this book about the vital moments of the 43-year history of the Asia Cup is captured in a lucid manner’ said Author of ‘Turf Battles' K Arumugam.
“It took a lot of research work and correct documents to publish a book. At present I am in the process of publishing a book on the 100 years history of Indian hockey” added Arugam while thanking Olympian Dilip Tirkey.
