Indian umpires missing from Hockey World Cup sparks calls for reforms
India’s presence at the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup will be confined to the players after no Indian umpire or technical official was named in the tournament panel for the first time in nearly three decades. The World Cup, beginning on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium, will be the first edition since Utrecht 1998 without an Indian match official.
Former international umpires have described the development as disappointing, saying the issue reflects deeper structural challenges rather than a one-off omission. They believe India has the talent to produce elite officials but lacks a consistent pathway to prepare them for the biggest stages.
“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,” former international umpire R V Raghu Prasad told PTI.
India has produced only four men’s World Cup umpires in the modern era—Amarjit Singh Bawa, Tarlok Singh Bhullar, Satinder Sharma and Raghu Prasad. With Prasad retiring last year, the country’s representation in elite international officiating has reduced significantly.
A LEGACY AT RISK
Former Olympian and World Cup umpire Satinder Sharma believes India risks losing a legacy painstakingly built over several decades.
“After Bawa Sir and Bhullar Sir, Raghu and I carried forward that legacy. It was never easy to establish ourselves among the European officials,” Sharma said.
He added that Indian officials need far more exposure outside domestic competitions if they are to compete for places at global 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. 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.”
Sharma also suggested that umpires should regularly attend national coaching camps to better understand the evolving demands of modern hockey.
THE BIGGER CHALLENGE BEYOND THE WHISTLE
The former officials also pointed to financial insecurity as another major reason why fewer youngsters are choosing umpiring as a career.
Amarjit Singh Bawa recalled a time when umpires received little recognition, while Raghu Prasad explained that life after retirement remains uncertain for many officials.
“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. In such circumstances, why would parents encourage their children to become umpires?” Prasad said.
Unlike players, umpires rarely receive government jobs, financial incentives or long-term career support despite representing India internationally.
With the World Cup around the corner, India’s absence from the officiating panel has highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of the sport.
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