17 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Jalandhar’s Gurinder Singh Sangha has been appointed by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) as the umpire manager for the hockey competition at the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held from September 18 to October 3.
Sangha to Oversee Umpiring at Asian Games
Sangha will take up the umpire-manager role at one of Asia’s major multi-sport events, adding another international assignment to his long career in hockey officiating.
He has previously served at prominent international competitions, including the Asian Games, Olympic qualifiers and Asia Cup. Hockey India’s current match-officials listing also includes Sangha among its umpire managers.
From Jandu Sangha to International Hockey
A native of Jandu Sangha in Jalandhar, the 54-year-old began playing hockey at the age of 13.
He studied at Doaba Khalsa Senior Secondary School and represented teams at the school, district, state and national levels before moving into umpiring and sports administration.
A Career Spanning Decades
Sangha began his umpiring career in 1995 and has remained closely associated with hockey for more than three decades.
Hockey India had earlier recognised his contribution to umpire development, while the FIH appointed him as a potential international umpire manager in 2017 after his name was recommended by Hockey India and supported by the Asian Hockey Federation.
Experience at Major Tournaments
Sangha’s previous assignments include international hockey competitions such as the Asian Games, Asia Cup, Olympic qualifiers and the Hockey India League.
In 2025, he was also appointed umpire manager for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, where he became the first Indian appointed to the role at that tournament, according to an earlier report.
Continuing Contribution to Indian Hockey
Alongside his work in international hockey, Sangha is a physical education lecturer at Olympian Manpreet Singh Government Senior Secondary School, Mithapur.
His career reflects a transition from playing and officiating to helping manage and develop the umpiring system at major competitions.
Jalandhar’s Hockey Connection
Sangha’s appointment adds to Jalandhar’s long association with Indian hockey.
The city and surrounding region have produced numerous international players, coaches and officials, while institutions such as the Surjit Hockey Academy and Mithapur have remained important parts of the area’s hockey ecosystem.
Asian Games Assignment Adds to His Record
The upcoming Asian Games assignment gives Sangha another opportunity to contribute to the sport beyond the playing field.
As umpire manager, his role will involve overseeing aspects of umpiring and helping ensure the smooth functioning of officials during the hockey competition.
Passion for Hockey Continues
Sangha has previously spoken about his enduring connection with hockey, saying that he does not want to leave the sport.
His latest appointment at the Asian Games extends that association onto another major international stage.