That A Ref'! India's Raghu Prasad Named FIH Male Umpire of the Year 2025

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has awarded India’s Raghu Prasad the title of FIH Male Umpire of the Year 2025 for his “professionalism, dedication, and excellence” in officiating matches.

Prasad,

who has accumulated 198 international umpiring caps and 33 video umpire appointments, is set to make history at the 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia by becoming the first Asian umpire to achieve 200 international caps.

His career encompasses a wide range of prestigious events, including the FIH Hockey Pro League, Commonwealth Games, Junior World Cups, and significant Asian competitions such as three Asian Games, multiple Asia Cups, and Asian Champions Trophies.

The FIH expressed pride in announcing the winners of the FIH Hockey Stars Awards – Umpire of the Year category, emphasizing that the recipients’ professionalism, dedication, and excellence have set the highest standards for international hockey officiating.

Raghu Prasad has been honoured with the Male Umpire of the Year Award in recognition of a remarkable 23-year international career marked by consistency, resilience, and excellence. Since starting in 2003, he has officiated across all continents and major tournaments, including four FIH Hockey World Cups and three Olympic Games – a record few can match. The FIH highlighted Raghu’s exceptional fitness, sharp decision-making, and leadership on the field as keys to his enduring success.

His professionalism and humility have earned him immense respect within the global hockey community. As his illustrious umpiring journey nears its end, Raghu continues to inspire a new generation of officials dedicated to upholding the integrity and spirit of the game. The Female Umpire of the Year Award was given to Argentina’s Irene Presenqui.

Recipients of the FIH Umpire of the Year Awards are chosen by the FIH Umpiring Committee. In years when the Olympic Games or FIH Hockey World Cup are held, the title is awarded to the umpire who has delivered the highest level of performance, according to the Committee. In other years, recipients may be recognised for their broader or long-term contributions to hockey umpiring.

Both Irene Presenqui and Raghu Prasad exemplify the excellence, fairness, and dedication that define international hockey umpiring. Their achievements not only raise the standard of officiating but also underscore the crucial role umpires play in shaping the sport’s future.

(With Inputs From Agencies)