Former Indian hockey captain, Dilip Tirkey, who is injured, has opted out of playing in the Premier Hockey League (PHL)starting in Chandigarh next month.

The dependable defender, who had captained the country in Athens Olympics [Images] in 2004, had suffered an ankle injury during the Asia Cup and aggravated it while playing at home. He has been advised rest to be able to give his cent percent during the Olympic Qualifier in Santiago in March next year.

Talking to PTI from Bangalore, Tirkey, who had been nominated as Captain of the Orissa Steelers team in the PHL said 'Mere thabeeyat theek hai, paranthu doctor ne kaha thode din ke liye aaraam kar lun. thaaki mere maanspeshi sahi rahen. Ghabrane ki koi baat nahin'. (I am not well but the doctor has advised me rest. There is nothing to worry).

Joaquim Carvalho, Chief Coach of the team, said Tirkey continues to train in the camp.

"There is no worry on his minor injury.I find him to be in his elements and there are no fitness worries but he has been advised rest before the all important Olympic qualifier."

"Tirkey is an experienced player and a vital cog as a defender in the team as a fullback.We need to preserve him as any further complications will rule him out," Carvalho said.

Meanwhile, the team's Physio, Srikanth Iyengar said "he is on rehabilitation. The injury sustained has totally healed but he needs rest for strengthening of the ligament, along with general fitness. We are working on these but we cannot rush. Tirkey has been told to rest for a month or so."