Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 1, 2023: International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has paid tribute to ex-international umpire Amarjit Singh, who passed away last week in Ipoh, Malaysia, from a heart attack. He was 59.
“Very saddened by the passing of Amarjit Singh. He was a top international umpire. He had also worked hard to develop the level of umpiring, especially in Asia,” Tayyab wrote on Twitter.
“On behalf of FIH, I’d like to extend my condolences to his family and friends, as well as the Malaysian hockey community,” Tayyab added.
One of the more respected and accomplished umpires in world hockey, Amarjit had umpired in three Olympics - Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. He had also officiated at four World Cups – Utrecht 1998, Kuala Lumpur 2002, Monchengladbach 2006 and New Delhi 2010.
He was the first Asian to receive the FIH Golden Whistle, which is awarded to those who had umpired 100 international matches. He was in charge of 154.
Asian Hockey Federation President Fumio Ogura said Amarjit’s contribution to sport went beyond his skills as an umpire. “He was also a mentor to many young umpires, and played an instrumental role in their development. His dedication to the sport and his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with others will be greatly missed.
“His legacy as a great umpire and mentor will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players and officials,” Ogura added.