NEW DELHI: India will not have a single umpire or technical official at the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, starting on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is the first time since the 1998 World Cup in Utrecht that no Indian official has been selected for the tournament. Most of the officials on the panel are from Europe.
Only four Indian World Cup umpires
India has produced only four men’s Hockey World Cup umpires in the modern era – Amarjit Singh Bawa (1990), Tarlok Singh Bhullar (1994), Satinder Sharma (2002, 2006 and 2010), and RV Raghu Prasad (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2023).Former international umpire RV Raghu Prasad, who retired last year after becoming the first Asian umpire to officiate in 200 international matches, said officials are selected based on consistent performances.“The FIH Umpiring Committee selects officials for major tournaments after assessing performances in previous World Cups, the Olympics, the Pro League and other international competitions. Consistency over a period of time is the biggest criterion,” he told PTI.
‘We are lagging behind’
Former international umpire Satinder Sharma, who officiated in several Olympics and World Cups, said India’s absence from the panel was disappointing.“After Bawa Sir and Bhullar Sir, Raghu and I carried forward that legacy. It was never easy to establish ourselves among the European officials.”He recalled being India’s only representative at the 2008 Beijing Olympics despite the men’s team failing to qualify.“Our men’s team did not qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but I was still India’s only representative there as an official. That shows how much importance is attached to consistent performances. At present, I feel we are lagging behind.”
Need more international exposure
According to Hockey India’s latest list, there are more than 100 men’s umpires and over 70 women’s umpires in the domestic system.However, only six Indian men and four women are on the FIH umpiring panel. With Raghu Prasad’s retirement, the number of active Indian men’s international umpires has reduced further.India also has only four men’s and two women’s FIH technical officials.Sharma said Indian umpires need more chances to officiate in international tournaments.“If domestic umpires don’t officiate in major international tournaments, how will they gain experience? There is a huge difference between domestic and international umpiring.”He also suggested that umpires should be involved in national coaching camps.“Umpires should also be part of national coaching camps so they understand the demands of modern hockey. We have talent, but officials need opportunities and support from the federation. Proper planning and a structured pathway are essential if India wants representation at the next World Cup or Olympics.”
Lack of recognition and financial security
Former international umpire Amarjit Singh Bawa, who officiated at the 1990 Hockey World Cup and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, said umpires received very little recognition during his playing days.“When I started, we received a daily allowance of only Rs 20, which later increased to Rs 100 during KPS Gill’s tenure. In those days, umpires were hardly considered an important part of the sport.”He added: “There were no medals or souvenirs for umpires either. It was during the 1977 Ranjit Singh Tournament in Amritsar, we ensured that officials were also honoured.”
‘Why would parents encourage their children?’
The former officials agreed that poor financial support remains a major reason why fewer people choose umpiring as a career.Sharma said: “In our time, we received Rs 150-200 a day in domestic tournaments and an allowance of USD 40-50 during international assignments. Even today, most Indian umpires are either unemployed or officiate only in domestic competitions.”Raghu Prasad, who took up a private job after retiring, said the profession does not provide enough financial security.“As long as I was umpiring, I devoted myself entirely to it. After retirement, I had to find a private job through my own efforts, and the income is modest. In such circumstances, why would parents encourage their children to become umpires?”He added: “Players receive awards, government jobs and recognition for outstanding performances. Umpires receive neither salaries nor meaningful incentives. Even those who are employed often struggle to get leave for international assignments.”