Hockey referee at 21, Hema of Uttarakhand shows the way

A sport is not just limited to playing on the field and Hema Singh of Uttarakhand has proved it with elegance.

At the age of 21, when a player aims at winning medals for the nation, Hema has become one of the youngest hockey referees.

The ‘lady boss’ on the field, who has been the captain of Team Uttarakhand and has attended the Indian junior national camp, is supervising the matches of the 14th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship at the Sector 42 Sports Complex.

In the job of referee dominated by men, Hema is setting a courageous example of beating the odds, proving that sports has a vast aspect beyond playing to make a career. Hema is the only sibling among her four sisters and a brother to opt for sports. She started her love with sports by taking to athletics. She aspired to become a 100m runner and don the Indian jersey. However, her coach asked her to opt for hockey. Playing at the left fullback position, Hema won accolades for her state. However, she was quick enough to realise that the high competition in the national sport may derail her dreams of making it big in her life.

By 2021, she enrolled for a referee course. She has supervised four major events, including the national tournament, which started today.

“I am happy to opt for this profession. It’s usually a male-dominated field, but here (in Chandigarh), there are four female referees who will be supervising the matches here. I had realised a good scope in turning into an official, and from that day, I am attached to this job,” said Hema, after successfully supervising the match between Bihar and Manipur.

She said, “I still play hockey and wanted to be around the sport. I am the only one among my siblings to opt for sports. Besides being in love with hockey, it also helps me earn some money to help my family. If not a successful player, I would like to become a successful referee and supervise international matches in future.” She is well aware of the challenges ahead, especially what happens after marriage. “Yes, it will be a challenge, but I will be sticking to hockey. Challenges are obvious in life, but I have come this far to achieve success. I don’t know about the future, but hockey really keeps me happy,” added Hema, who is still pursuing her studies.

“Sports is not limited to becoming a player. There are various aspects and it’s a vast area. Being a player has its own charm, but being an officiating member brings more responsibility. During my playing days, we used to challenge a referee’s call. Now, I get to know the challenges a referee faces,” said Hema.

“I think being a referee is tougher than being a player,” she signed off to supervise the next match.