What a coincidence, Joshua Burt, who once portrayed the coach of the Australian women’s hockey team in the iconic bollywood movie ‘Chak De India,’ has taken on an important role in real-hockey now. On Thursday, Burt was appointed as the technical delegate for the upcoming 2024-2025 edition of the Hockey India League. The Australian official played the role of Australia women’s hockey team’s coach in the Shahrukh Khan starred film.
Josh Burt is not new to the world of international hockey officiating. He has been important figure in this arena since 2011 and has officiated at three Olympic Games in Rio, Tokyo, and the Paris 2024.
Controversy surrounding Rohidas’ suspension
However, Burt made headlines earlier this year for a different reason. He was involved in the suspension of Indian player Amit Rohidas after a red card incident during India’s quarterfinal against Great Britain in Paris Olympics.
The Indian men’s hockey team contested the red card decision, knowing the importance of having a full squad of 16 players as they prepared for the semifinals. Despite the appeal, the International Hockey Federation (FIH), supported by Burt’s statement, upheld the suspension. The official communication noted that Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match due to a breach of the FIH Code of Conduct. As a result, India had to face Germany in match No. 35 with only 15 players in the squad, which India eventually lost 3-2.
Burt’s commitment to fair play
Despite the controversy, Josh Burt remains committed to ensuring fairness and accuracy in his new role. Speaking about his appointment, he expressed his dedication to leading the officiating team with precision and fairness. “As the leader of the officiating team, my pledge to you all is to ensure that every match is officiated with utmost precision and accuracy. I understand the significance of fair play and the impact it has on the overall experience for both the players and fans alike.” he said.
New faces in the league
In addition to Burt’s appointment, Colin French has been named the umpire manager for the Hockey India League, which is set to resume after a seven-year break. French began his international umpiring journey in 2013 and has accumulated a wealth of experience, including his role in the men’s Hockey World Cup in 2023. Together, Burt and French are set to bring their expertise to the eagerly awaited tournament.
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