Veteran Indian umpire recognized for remarkable twenty-three year international career
It is a moment of immense pride for the Indian sports fraternity as veteran official Raghu Prasad has been bestowed with the top honour in global hockey officiating. On Tuesday, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced Prasad as the recipient of the distinguished FIH Male Umpire of the Year award. The accolades for the officiating community also saw Argentina’s Irene Presenqui take home the title of Female Umpire of the Year.
Legacy of Excellence
While awards during major tournament years—such as the Olympics or World Cups—often focus on performance during that specific event, non-Olympic years like 2025 allow the federation to look at the bigger picture. The FIH Umpiring Committee selected Prasad to honor his stellar career spanning over two decades. The world body highlighted that his journey has been defined by "consistency, resilience, and excellence."
Reacting to the global recognition, an emotional Prasad described it as one of the most significant milestones of his life. He noted that the award serves as a validation of the hard work, long hours, and personal sacrifices he has made to maintain high standards on the turf.
From Medical Aspirant to Global Whistleblower
Interestingly, the Bengaluru-based official initially had dreams of joining the medical profession as a doctor. However, destiny shifted his path toward sports. After playing hockey recreationally, he picked up the whistle around the turn of the millennium. He began with humble beginnings, officiating in local school and college leagues, before earning his international stripes in 2003.
Since then, Prasad has been a fixture at the highest level. His impressive resume includes officiating at four World Cups, three Olympic Games, and numerous major continental events such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.
On the Brink of History
Prasad is currently sitting on an impressive record of 198 international caps, supplemented by 33 stints as a video umpire. He is now poised to write his name in the history books.
At the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, scheduled for next week, Prasad is set to officiate his 200th match. This achievement will make him the first-ever Asian umpire to reach this double-century milestone.
According to the FIH, Raghu’s longevity is a testament to his exceptional physical fitness and sharp decision-making skills. As he approaches the twilight of an illustrious career, he continues to inspire a new generation of officials to uphold the integrity of the game.
