RAJGIR: To the surprise of many, Josh Burt on Thursday was appointed as the technical delegate for the 2024-2025 edition of the Hockey India League.
The Australian, who has been officiating at international tournaments since 2011, including three Olympic Games in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris 2024, is the same person who was in the headlines earlier this year for writing the letter for suspension of Amit Rohidas following his red card in India’s quarterfinal match against Great Britain.
This was after the Indian men’s hockey team had challenged the red card since with the semifinals coming up, it was of utmost importance that the team had all its 16 players available.
However, FIH rejected the appeal and sent an official communication written by Burt, which read, “Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match for a Breach of the FIH Code of Conduct which occurred during match India vs Great Britain on Aug 4, 2024. The suspension affects match No. 35 (India’s match against Germany), where Rohidas will not participate, and India will play with a squad of fifteen players.”
Incidentally, Burt also played the role of the coach of the Australian women’s hockey team in the film ‘Chak de India’.
Speaking on his appointment, he said in a statement, “As the leader of the officiating team, my pledge to you all is to ensure that every match is officiated with utmost precision and accuracy. I understand the significance of fair play and the impact it has on the overall experience for both the players and fans alike.”
Colin French, meanwhile, was named the umpire manager for the tournament that is set to begin after a seven-year hiatus. French started his international umpiring career in 2013 and besides officiating at numerous events he has also been part of the men’s Hockey World Cup in 2023.