Indian officials absent from Men’s Hockey World Cup panel for first time since 1998
NEW DELHI: The absence of an Indian umpire or technical official from the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup for the first time in nearly three decades has disappointed former international officials, who say greater investment in developing and exposing match officials is needed.
The tournament, which begins on Aug. 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium, will not feature an Indian umpire or technical official for the first time since the 1998 World Cup in Utrecht, with European officials making up the majority of the appointed panel.
India has produced only four men’s World Cup umpires in the modern era: Amarjit Singh Bawa, Tarlok Singh Bhullar, Satinder Sharma and R.V. Raghu Prasad.
Raghu Prasad, who retired last year after becoming the first Asian umpire to officiate 200 international matches, said selections for elite tournaments are based on consistent performances across major events.
“The FIH Umpiring Committee selects officials after assessing performances in previous World Cups, the Olympics, the Pro League and other international competitions,” Prasad told PTI. “Consistency over a period of time is the biggest criterion.”
Former international umpire Satinder Sharma described India’s absence as disappointing, saying officials needed greater opportunities to gain experience at the highest level.
According to Hockey India’s latest umpiring structure, the country has more than 100 men’s and over 70 women’s domestic officials. However, only six Indian men and four women are currently on the FIH umpiring panel, while India has just four men’s and two women’s FIH technical officials.
Sharma said increased exposure to international competitions would be essential if India is to rebuild its presence among officials at the sport’s biggest events.
