Ignacious (\"Ignace\") Tirkey is a midfielder for India\'s hockey team who has also captained the Indian team previously. Tirkey made his debut for the national side in February 2001 at the Akbar el Yom Tournament in Cairo against Belgium. He was also a member of the Indian team that came seventh in the Athens Olympic in 2004. He is famously remembered for his incredible goal which he hit between Pakistan\'s ace striker Sohail Abbas\'s legs in the final minutes of 2003 Asia Cup to give India the winning lead after both teams were locked at 2-2. He is considered as a skillful and lethal striker. In 2001, he scored what is known as a golden goal to help India win the finals in the Muruguppa Gold Cup and once more thereafter during the National Games in 2002. He is also the recepient of the Padma Shree and the Arjuna awards.
