No Indian Umpire at World Cup After 28 Years: Veterans Reveal the Gaps

India’s long association with hockey’s biggest stage will have a notable omission at the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, with no Indian umpire or technical official selected for the tournament for the first time since 1998.

The World Cup begins on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium, and the absence has disappointed former Indian international officials, who believe the country needs a stronger and more structured pathway to develop elite umpires.

India has produced only four men’s World Cup umpires in the modern era — Amarjit Singh Bawa in 1990, Tarlok Singh Bhullar in 1994, Satinder Sharma in 2002, 2006 and 2010, and R V Raghu Prasad, who officiated at four successive editions from 2010 to 2023.

Raghu Prasad, the first Asian umpire to officiate in 200 international matches before retiring last year, said selection for major tournaments depends heavily on sustained performances at the highest level.

“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 said.

Sharma, who officiated at multiple Olympics and World Cups, said India’s absence was disappointing after the country had worked hard to establish itself among predominantly European officials.

He pointed to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where India’s men’s team failed to qualify but he still represented the country as an official.

India has more than 100 men’s domestic umpires across four categories, while the women’s structure has over 70 officials. Yet only six Indian men and four women are currently on the FIH umpiring panel. India also has just four men’s and two women’s FIH technical officials.

Sharma said domestic umpires need greater exposure to international hockey and should also be included in national coaching camps to understand the demands of modern hockey.

The veterans also highlighted financial insecurity as a major deterrent. Raghu said he had to take up a private job after retirement, while Sharma noted that officials often lack salaries, incentives and employment security.

The former officials believe India has enough talent but needs better international exposure, financial support, regular training and a structured career pathway to regain representation at future World Cups and Olympics.