KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian international hockey umpire Anbananthan Rawi has earned a rare second appointment to officiate at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands, further cementing his status among the world’s elite match officials.
The selection marks another significant milestone for the Kepala Batas, Penang-born official, who has steadily built an accomplished career on the international stage after first rising through the ranks as a player before transitioning into umpiring.
He is currently attached to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
His appointment is particularly noteworthy as the World Cup, held once every four years, selects officials based on consistent performance assessments over an extended period, underlining the level of trust placed in his abilities.
Speaking to Scoop, Anbananthan described the opportunity to officiate at one of hockey’s most prestigious tournaments, scheduled from August 15 to 30, as both an honour and a major responsibility.
“I feel very fortunate and proud to represent Malaysia at the World Cup. This is my second appointment, and I am also the only umpire from Malaysia selected,” he said.
He also shared advice for aspiring umpires aiming to reach the international level, stressing that discipline, fitness and patience are non-negotiable qualities.
“In this journey as an umpire, patience is key. Every match demands the same level of commitment and professionalism, regardless of whether it is a regular fixture or a high-intensity game,” he said.
“Always give your best in every assignment. It is a responsibility that must be upheld. Over my 18 years as an international umpire, I have learned discipline, emotional control, and integrity in decision-making.”
Anbananthan further emphasised the importance of physical fitness, noting that officials must consistently pass stringent fitness tests to remain at the highest level.
He also highlighted the need to stay updated with the evolving rules of the game.
“Umpires must continuously read and understand the latest regulations, and watch as many matches as possible to improve their knowledge and understanding of the game,” he said.
His journey began at the Pesta Hoki tournament before he was elevated to the international stage through assignments such as the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which paved the way for major global competitions.
Over the years, he has officiated at events including the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers and the 2025 Hero Asia Cup.
For the record, Anbananthan is also a recipient of the Golden Whistle award after officiating more than 100 international matches, placing him among an exclusive group of globally recognised umpires and further enhancing Malaysia’s reputation in world hockey. – April 17, 2026