MARGAO
Goa's 21-year-old Anoskha D'Souza recently served as a Technical Official at the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025 in Panchkula, Haryana, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
From her early days playing hockey in school, Anoskha quickly rose through the ranks, representing Goa in 2017. However, she aspired to a career deeply rooted in her passion for the sport, but found coaching not to be her forte. Instead, she found her calling in technical officiating.
Her experience at the national championship was invaluable. "This is a great learning opportunity provided by Hockey India," Anoskha stated. "The presenters are incredibly knowledgeable, and I'm grateful for the chance to learn from them. The practical and theoretical skills I've gained will undoubtedly enhance my abilities as a technical official."
Anoskha was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the young officials, especially the female umpires. "It's inspiring to see so many young women eager to learn," she remarked. She emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for umpires, mirroring the players' pre-match routines. "Just like players, umpires need meticulous preparation," she noted, praising Hockey India's efforts in equipping officials with necessary skills through organized courses.
She highlighted the courses importance in assessing theoretical knowledge and fostering development.
Anoskha D'Souza's rapid progression has set a compelling example for aspiring young officials in the sport, demonstrating that diverse career paths exist within hockey.
