Hockey India on Thursday congratulated Javed Shaikh and Raghu Prasad on being appointed as Umpires in the discipline of hockey for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), world governing body for hockey. The FIH announced its decision on Wednesday. 

Javed Shaikh from Mumbai began his career as an umpire in 2000 at a local tournament. In 2002, he was called-up as a national umpire followed by an opportunity at the 2003 Under-21 Invitational Cup in Poland where he served as an international umpire. Over the last decade, Shaikh has umpired at major events such as Commonwealth Games, Asian Games as well as the 2014 Men’s World Cup in Hague, The Netherlands and was also called up as an umpire during the 2016 Rio Olympics. "It's everyone's dream to be part of the Olympics and I am very honoured and proud to be appointed as one of the umpires at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I was very happy to hear the news on Wednesday,” expressed Javed Shaikh.

Raghu Prasad from Bangalore started his umpiring career in 2001, officiating in domestic school, college and league tournaments. Prasad served as an international umpire for the first time in 2003 at the Four Nations Tournament in Australia. In the last 16 years, Prasad has umpired at major events such as Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, three World Cups. "It is a huge honour to be part of the umpire panel for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I am happy that 2 Indians have been appointed. I had  missed the bus for Rio Olympics but I didn't lose heart. I continued to put in all the hard work. I got an opportunity to umpire at the Men's World Cup last year and did Pro League this year. I knew I had to be my absolute best if I had to be chosen for the Olympics and I'm happy the effort has paid off," said Prasad.

Both FIH Pro League Panel Umpires, Javed and Prasad further stressed upon the role of Hockey India in promoting umpires and their extensive programs that has helped several enthusiasts to take up umpiring as a career. "Hockey India has been doing a great job. There are educators from the FIH Academy and teach the youngsters. They exchange their knowledge about umpiring with us. Hockey India has conducted online tests as well. They have encouraged youngsters to take up umpiring in hockey and they have played a key role," expressed Javed and Prasad.

Congratulating Javed Shaikh and Raghu Prasad on being appointed as Umpires at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hockey India’s President Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad said, "I congratulate Javed Shaikh and Raghu Prasad on being appointed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to officiate at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Both the umpires have earned this feat after working tirelessly for more than 15 years. It is a matter of pride for us when Umpires represent India in top tournaments across the world. I wish Shaikh and Prasad the very best for his future endeavours.”