Satinder to umpire in World Cup Hockey

Chandigarh, Aug 26 (UNI) An Assistant Manager of State Bank of India at Panjab University Campus here, Satinder Kumar Sharma has been selected to umpire in the World Cup Hockey in Monchengladbach, Germany, from September 6 to 17.

Grade I umpire of International Hockey Federation (FIH), Satinder recently umpired matches in the Champions Trophy held in Terressa (Spain) from July 22 to 30. In the World Panel group of 15 men umpires, Sharma became the first Indian to complete 75 international matches after he supervised the Champions Trophy final between Holland and Germany.

''Every time we supervise the matches, we learn new things. It was a good experience as I was allotted five matches, including the final of the Champions Trophy,'' said Sharma.

The matches allotted to him were: Australia vs Pakistan, Australia vs Spain, Germany vs Holland and Pakistan vs Argentina.

Mr Sharma made his international debut as he was offered the umpire's job in the four-nation international tournament in Egypt in 2000. ''I am looking to the golden bell which is awarded to an international umpire after completion of 100 international matches.

I am confident that I will achieve this milestone within two years,'' he said. Sharma is also the most respected 'firm and fair' umpire in the country.

He had earlier officiated in the Junior World Cup, Olympic Games, Asia Cup, Championship Trophy and all other major international tournaments.

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