PETALING JAYA: Renowned international hockey umpire Amarjit Singh (pic), who has officiated three Olympics, passed away in Ipoh on Wednesday (Feb 22) night.
Amarjit, 59, leaves behind his wife Sujan Kaur and three children – Sharon Kaur, Aaaronjit Singh and Darrenjit Singh.
Sujan confirmed the news and said that he was supposed to go for an open heart surgery on Thursday.
“Amarjit left us peacefully at our home last night (Wednesday). He was supposed to go for a surgery today (Thursday),” said Sujan.
Amarjit had dedicated his life to hockey and was a respected umpire since the 1990s.
Having umpired 154 international matches, Amarjit was also a recipient of FIH Golden Whistle Award and officiated in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics and three World Cups in 2002, 2006 and 2010.
Perak Hockey Association (PHA) president Saiyuti Abdul Samad said Amarjit has contributed greatly to the sport and was a close friend.
“I have known Amarjit since schooldays and we played for the state and also the national side. It is a great loss for the sport,” said Saiyuti.
“The association will miss his services as he was also our secretary since 2020 and had worked really hard during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year.
“It will not be easy to find a replacement for someone of his calibre and experience. We will miss him dearly.”
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) also paid tribute to Amarjit’s service as a technical official for more than three decades.
“AHF recognised Amarjit’s exceptional skills as an umpire and his ability to maintain the integrity and fairness of the game.
“The Asian Hockey family is deeply saddened by the passing of Amarjit Singh, one of the most respected and accomplished umpires in the sport of hockey.
“His contributions to the game as an umpire, mentor, and coach will always be remembered and cherished,” said AHF president Fumio Ogura.
AHF hoped that his legacy as a great umpire and mentor will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players and officials.
