Kannan Krishnamurthy is an Indian field hockey institution, having presided over 1400 meticulously adjudicated games.
To me, a referee is the guardian of fairness, the arbiter of justice, a labyrinth of emotions, a silent sentinel and walking titan, and–perhaps most importantly–the soul of field hockey. And there is no better person to attach those attributes than Kannan Krishnamurthy.
Kannan Krishnamurthy: Football, hockey, and athletics were sought after during those days, and many clubs existed. That’s how I became a hockey player. What motivated me to officiate as an umpire in several games (and a frank answer) is a sheer accident. I never aspired or evinced interest in umpiring, but it happened in the flow. Those days, none would want to become umpires when you were still active in playing hockey games, But, of course, this mindset has since changed.
With over fourteen hundred games under his belt, he witnessed a significant evolution in the sport. When asked what the most notable changes he observed in field hockey were, he said, “Hockey has undergone a sea change in many ways – equipment, infrastructure, rules, and regulations, among other things. Shifting from grass to synthetic pitch has altered the entire gamut of a playing style. Conservative and traditional playing gave way to the modern application of play – power play, speed, scientific approach, strategy, physical fitness, etc. and transformation was not an easy one for the Asians and especially for Indians.
He continued.
Kannan Krishnamurthy: Removing off-side is one rule that I believe has especially affected Indian hockey. That, in every sense, killed the artistry, dribbling skill, and field goals that were the forte of Indians and eventually brought down the Indian dominance in the game. ‘Drag Flick,’ which came into existence with the evolution of regulations, became a prime weapon for the Western and continental countries to win the matches. Also, Indians gradually picked the art and skill of drag flick execution in PC and are now a force to reckon with.
Here are additional excerpts from our talk.
Ravi: Umpiring requires a deep understanding of the rules and their application. How do you stay updated with the latest rule changes and interpretations, and how has this knowledge evolved throughout your career?
Kannan Krishnamurthy: Hockey umpiring is a funny perception – a good theoretician and well-versed with rules have not shined in actual officiating, and on the contrary, persons with a bare knowledge of rules understanding have become successful by merely understanding the practical way of approach. Of course, many outstanding umpires were good in command of the rules and the practical officiating. To build confidence at higher-level umpiring, the rules and knowledge must be updated by attending refresher courses and through self-interest. If one thoroughly understands and interprets the rules, his confidence is high. I have consciously learned the hockey rules and their interpretations by constantly reading and discussing them with colleagues. Teams and players knew I was a knowledgeable umpire, which kept them at bay in arguing / questioning, which generally happened in those days. I also helped several umpires/players/coaches in imparting rules and interpretations. I have periodically conducted umpiring classes as a refresher course to keep them abreast of the knowledge of practices. I also ran the umpiring classes for the SAI-NIS Diploma Coaches at the SAI, Bangalore. However, having been in this domain for a reasonably long period, I handed over these responsibilities to Shri R.V. Raghu Prasad, O&W FIH Hockey Umpire, who competently discharges the assignments.
Ravi: Can you tell us about your experience officiating in legendary domestic tournaments like the Nehru Hockey Tournament, Aga Khan Cup, and Beighton Cup?
Kannan Krishnamurthy
Kannan Krishnamurthy: As an umpire, I have officiated in numerous top-tier hockey tournaments, including the Aga Khan Gold Cup Hockey Tournament in 1995. However, one terrible incident occurred during the final match between Indian Airlines and Punjab Police. The game was bloodthirsty, violent, and controversial, with both teams harboring a deep-seated rivalry and causing a fracas in front of the umpires. The bad blood between the Punjab Police and the two teams led to free-for-all attacks, resulting in the Punjab Police team players running for cover and taking shelter in the clubhouse. Despite officiating the match with complete control, the game slipped away due to arch rivalry, and umpires were blamed for no fault. This incident brings terrible memories and highlights the challenges of hockey umpiring.
Ravi: In any long career, some moments stand out as highlights. Could you share some of your most memorable games or experiences as a player, administrator, coach, and umpire?
Kannan Krishnamurthy: As a player, I had a perfect time at every hierarchy level (zonal, state, etc.), and I continue to be an administrator with passion and commitment for three decades. I have been working for the cause of sports promotion. I must register with a sense of satisfaction that the Karnataka State Hockey Association (KSHA) was ranked as one of the best hockey bodies in the country up to 2010. However, its overall development was halted due to changes in the national hockey scene, where the IOA exhibited spoiled sports and unconstitutionally removed the Indian Hockey Federation through a conspiracy. The Indian Association of Hockey (IOA) has been accused of unfairly removing state hockey associations, leading to new entrants in almost all state units. This has resulted in recruiting non-hockey persons, business persons, and unknown individuals into these associations. The IOA formed Hockey India, the present NSF, with the support of its Past President, Shri Suresh Kalmadi. However, his actions led to state associations splitting and rivalry, resulting in unethical and unconstitutional methods to shunt the Indian Hockey Federation. Despite being removed from the IOA scheme, his wrongdoing should haunt him during his living period. He was respected and hailed as excellent, but his actions sullied his image.
Ravi: We see many State Bodies violating the same even though the NSF has asked them to do so. Should the Sports Code 2011 (2017) be implemented in the States? Also, numerous court cases are being filed across 12-15 state hockey bodies. Do you see it as a healthy trend?
Kannan Krishnamurthy
Kannan Krishnamurthy: The National Sports Code, primarily applicable to National Sports Federations (NSF), has become a national-level document, with most federations complying with its essential provisions. However, uncertainty persists regarding its application to State Associations of all disciplines. Some NSFs have directed their state units to adhere to the code, but this has yet to be followed due to confusion. The MYAS, GOI, and IOA must categorically state whether state units should follow the sports code. The prefix “national” in the National Sports Code has confused and cannot be left to courts to infer and pass orders.
Ravi: Many will vouch for your contribution to the game of hockey in the state. They add that the NSF should have utilized your services. Do you have a sense of satisfaction after all these years?
Kannan Krishnamurthy: Well, until the IHF was in force, I have been very recognized by friends across all the spectrums of Hockey. Hockey India has hesitated to utilize my services despite my contributions to the game at both state and national levels. I take it in my stride, but I am puzzled by why Hockey India views hockey persons as anathema to be included in administration despite their expertise. Many are non-hockey individuals with limited administrative knowledge. At the same time, seeing past players and hockey persons in selection committees and coaching areas is heartening, but only a few are allowed in administration.
Ravi: How does one ensure that an umpire’s decisions are impartial and maintains high professionalism on and off the field?
Kannan Krishnamurthy: Umpires can lift or mar the game by their decisions. To make any sport interesting and spectator enjoyment, the roles played by the umpires are imperative. Integrity, honesty, and presence of mind are good traits, and therefore, umpires should always conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the sport. Umpires’ decisions do not come easily, and fair decisions emerge with a sense of commitment to hard work and belonging.
