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Anupama Puchimanda

Overview

Anupama Puchimanda is an Indian field hockey player and umpire. She has been associated with the sport in India both as a competitor and, subsequently, as an officiating umpire in domestic and international hockey.

Key facts

Name Anupama Puchimanda
Nationality Indian
Sport Field hockey
Roles Player; Umpire

Background

Field hockey has a long-established presence in India, with structured pathways for players to transition into officiating roles after their competitive careers. Umpires in India operate under the framework of Hockey India, the national governing body, which conducts umpire education and grading programmes aligned with the standards of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Career

Puchimanda's career has spanned both playing and officiating. As a player, she participated in domestic field hockey in India. She subsequently took up umpiring, a path followed by a number of former Indian women hockey players who continue to contribute to the sport through officiating at national tournaments and selected international fixtures.

Significance

The progression from player to umpire is an important pipeline in Indian hockey, particularly for the women's game, where experienced officials are needed to support the growing competitive calendar at junior, senior, and franchise levels. Officials drawn from the playing community contribute technical understanding to match management.

References