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Bengaluru: After blowing the whistle tirelessly for over two decades and earning plaudits from players and officials alike for his friendly yet commanding officiating, Karnataka’s Raghu Prasad received the one award he had been craving for all his life after being adjudged the FIH Umpire of the Year 2025.
“Today is one of the most special moments of my career. Receiving the FIH Umpire of the Year 2025 award is a true honour. When I look back at the long hours, sacrifices and challenges, this recognition feels deeply rewarding,” said a delighted Raghu.
The affable Raghu, one of the foremost umpires in the world with an exceptional resume that includes three Olympic Games, four senior World Cups, two Asian Games and one Commonwealth Games, however, was forced to swallow the good news with a bit of bitterness. The 47-year-old Bengalurean will call time on his umpiring career at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, from November 23-30.
“I’m still fit as any youngster and I could go on and on, but FIH rules state that an umpire can officiate until he’s 47 years old. I turned 47 in January, so this year was going to be my last. I will be signing off at Azlan Shah. It’s not going to be easy because umpiring has been my life for three decades. But all good things come to an end, so does this journey. But I will remain connected to hockey until I go to the grave!,” said Raghu.
Since his youth, Raghu was always passionate about hockey. Having figured he can’t cut it as a player, he focussed on umpiring, learning the ropes from the Karnataka State Hockey Association officials. In 2001, he started officiating in inter-school and inter-collegiate tournaments before exponentially rising up the ladder.
Within two years, he graduated to the international stage with the Four Nations Tournament in Australia in 2003 marking his debut at the world stage. From there on, Raghu, who admires fellow umpires Henrik Ehlers from Denmark and John Wright of South Africa, just kept thrusting forward, not looking back once. His match count now stands at 198 and he’s certain to hit the double ton in Malaysia, a feat very few can boast about.
Raghu, ever sporting a smile on his face, had a whole lot of people to thank for being part of a memorable journey. “I owe a great deal to Hockey India for giving me the platform to grow. To my colleague officials and fellow umpires around the world, thank you for the trust and the standards we uphold together. I must also acknowledge KSHA, the foundation of my umpiring journey, and Hockey Karnataka for their continued support. And most importantly my family, who have stood like a rock beside me. Umpiring is not a very lucrative career option but not once did they deter me from blowing the whistle.”
The sport is set to lose a smile but Raghu’s family will be the merrier.