Indian umpires absent from FIH Men's Hockey World Cup panel, prompting calls for reform
No Indian umpire or technical official was named to the panel for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, which begins on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium. This is the first edition since Utrecht 1998 without an Indian match official.
Former international umpires described the omission as disappointing and said it reflects deeper structural challenges rather than a one-off error. They said India has the talent to produce elite officials but lacks a consistent pathway to prepare them for top tournaments. R V Raghu Prasad told PTI: "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."
In the modern era India has supplied four men's World Cup umpires—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.
Satinder Sharma, a former Olympian and World Cup umpire, warned that India risks losing a legacy painstakingly built over several decades, saying: "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 said Indian officials need far more exposure outside domestic competitions if they are to compete for places at global tournaments.
Sharma added: "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."
Former officials also pointed to financial insecurity as a major reason fewer youngsters are choosing umpiring as a career. Amarjit Singh Bawa recalled a time when umpires received little recognition, while Raghu Prasad said: "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?" The report noted that, unlike players, umpires rarely receive government jobs, financial incentives or long-term career support despite representing India internationally.
India will be represented only by players at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, which begins on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium, leaving the absence of Indian match officials as an unresolved issue ahead of the tournament.