~Harkirat Singh Sokhi was honoured with the prestigious Hockey India President Award for Technical Official of the Year 2021~
New Delhi, 26th September 2023: Hockey India on Tuesday mourned the passing of Technical Delegate and former FIH International Umpire, Harkirat Singh Sokhi, a stalwart in the world of hockey officiating and a revered figure in the Indian hockey community. Harkirat Singh Sokhi, who began his illustrious journey in hockey officiating in 1996, died today in Asansol, West Bengal.
Harkirat Singh Sokhi was honoured with the prestigious Hockey India President Award for Technical Official of the Year 2021, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of hockey in India. His commitment to the sport and his tireless efforts to elevate its standards have left an indelible mark on Indian hockey.
Throughout his distinguished career, Sokhi officiated in numerous All India Tournaments, leaving a lasting impact on the hockey fraternity. Some of the prominent tournaments he lent his expertise to include 3rd Marshal Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament 2022 in Chandigarh, 124th All India Beighton Cup Hockey Tournament, the 57th Nehru Senior Hockey Tournament (Men), Laxmi Ammal Memorial 11th All India Hockey Tournament 2019 in Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, 93rd All India MCC Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament 2019 in Tamil Nadu, and the 44th G.S. Bains Liberal All India Hockey Tournament in Nabha, Punjab.
Notably, as a Technical Delegate, Harkirat Singh Sokhi’s contributions spanned 40 Senior Women’s matches, 207 Senior Men’s matches, 93 Under 21 Women’s matches, 16 Under 18 Women’s matches, 16 Under 18 Men’s matches, and 73 Under 17 Women’s matches. His unwavering commitment to the fair and smooth conduct of matches earned him the respect and admiration of players, coaches, and officials alike.
Sokhi’s dedication extended to his role as Tournament Director in various prestigious events, including the 8th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2018, 9th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2019, 10th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2020 (A division), and the Khelo India University Games 2020.
Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Kumar Tirkey expressed his condolences, saying, “We at Hockey India extend our deepest condolences to Harkirat Singh Sokhi’s family and friends during this difficult time. His memory will continue to inspire generations of hockey enthusiasts, and his contribution to the sport will be remembered with utmost reverence.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “Harkirat Singh Sokhi was a true ambassador of the sport. His contributions to hockey in India are immeasurable, and his passion for the game was contagious. We mourn the loss of a dedicated official and a remarkable individual.”
By Hockey India
