New Delhi, India, April 20, 2021: The Asian hockey family is in mourning following the passing of player turned umpire Anupama Puchimanda at the age of 40.
The former international umpire from India passed away on Sunday, April 18 in Bengaluru due to covid-related complications, the Asian Hockey Federation reported on its official website (http://www.asiahockey.org).
Anupama, a former national level hockey player, had officiated in several prestigious international tournaments including the 2005 BDO Junior World Cup (Women) in Santiago and the Hero Hockey World League Round-2 (Women) in 2013 at New Delhi as well as the 2013 Women’s Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Hearing of the sad news, AHF President Fumio Ogura said: “Ms Anupama Puchimanda was a part of the Asian Hockey fraternity. She served hockey for a good part of her life. She will be remembered for her services for hockey.”
Expressing Hockey India's condolences to Anupama's bereaved family, President Gyanendro Ningombam said: "This morning (Sunday) we woke up to the very sad news about Anupama Puchimanda's demise in Bengaluru.
“She was one of the first few women in India to umpire at very reputed international tournaments. We at Hockey India share the grief of her family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences to Anupama's family members."