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Tuesday May 14, 2013

Friendly match to remember respected umpire


A FRIENDLY hockey match that was played in memory of internationally-acclaimed umpire Joseph Emmanuel Francis turned out to be a moving yet exciting event.

The match between the Penang Veterans and Taiping Veterans was played out during the J.E Francis Memorial Trophy 2013 at SMK Dr Burhanuddin, Taiping on April 20.

Despite the valiant efforts of the Taiping Veterans team led by state coach Manjit Singh, the Penang Veterans led by former state captain N. Dharmasegaran snagged the trophy with a 2-1 margin.

Joseph’s wife Irene Francis presented the trophy to the winners before attending a memorial service and dinner for her husband that was attended by over 100 family and friends.

Former World Cup and Olympic umpire Amarjit Singh Jessy said Joseph was a well-respected figure in hockey who contributed immensely to the game in the country and the umpiring world.

“He was an honest and non-political participant in sports and was very well appreciated by those who knew him.

“He was instrumental in many umpires being promoted and recognised internationally,” he said.

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