MARGAO
Sport remains an essential part of the lifestyle of Goans with more and more youngsters excelling in various sports. While the State has produced a number of star players on the pitch across sports, there are many Goan who have excelled as match referees and umpires.
The latest joinee in the hall of fame of umpires from the State is a 24-year-old former hockey player from Goa Ayyaz Khan, who has been awarded the Hockey India umpire badge.
"Apart from my hard work, I would not have reached here today without my family's support. So, credit doesn't go to a single person, but also to my coach and family," Khan told The Goan.
There has been no turning back for Khan as he continues to outshine in sports by becoming the Goan umpire to be awarded the Hockey India Umpire badge. Khan passed the examination along with Aviraj Madkaikar, Guru Kumar Singh and technical analysts, Thomas Fernandes and Sam Brganza.
"Yes, I was hopeful of passing the national exam. Even my colleagues and teachers used to tell me that through my performance I might get the Hockey India Umpire badge soon... I am very happy and will continue to do better in life," Khan said.
Khan comes from a humble background but it did not deter his dreams. With his strong determination and perseverance, the prestigious Hockey India badge has now opened a gateway to senior and international level sport.
Khan has so far officiated in All India hockey tournament in Pune and various state and inter-University matches. Khan got his first breakthrough as an umpire in the 12th Sub Junior Men's hockey championship at Peddem for the match between Jharkhand and Odisha.
Khan said his recipe for success was sheer mental strength. The 24-year-old who lives in his hometown of Mapusa says more boys should take up umpiring. He says umpiring is no cakewalk, as it involves quick decision-making and staying confident and focused throughout the match despite backlash from players and spectators.
“To make a decision within a fraction of a second and then face the reaction of the players and officials… it’s tough business. Even if you make a correct decision, the players and officials against whom the decision goes, as well as the crowd, tend to react. But you have to be very confident of yourself and stay focused. Sometimes we do make mistakes. But at that time too, we have to be confident or else it will have an impact on the next decision. So, to minimise the mistake, one has to be very tough, mentally,” he concluded.
