News 2015

New Delhi 20 November 2014: Hero Hockey India League (HIL) today announced the panel of foreign umpires for the HHIL 2015 edition scheduled from 22 January – 22 February 2015. The esteemed panel consists of experienced umpires from around the world, who have conducted many matches in reputed tournaments.

David Tomlinson of New Zealand, Grant Hundley of USA, Jakub Mejzlik of Czech Republic, Marcin Grochal of Poland, German Montes de Oca of Argentina and Francisco Vazquez of Spain will be seen umpiring the matches of the most prestigious Hockey League of the World in the 2015 edition. In addition, Hockey India League will be appointing a panel of Indian Umpires and Technical Officials for the tournament.

Speaking on the appointment, Hero Hockey India League’s CEO, Ms. Elena Norman said, “The League is in its 3rd year and hence it is necessary we take it a notch higher. The entire panel of umpires coming on board are esteemed and well known for their work towards the game around the world. Hero Hockey India League welcomes each one on board and will look forward to their contribution this season.”

Leading the group, Poland’s Marcin Grochal is the most experienced umpire, having conducted 87 international matches including 2014 FIH World Cup, 2012 London Olympics, FIH Hockey World League Final Round 2014, New Delhi and European Hockey Championship 2007 & 2013. Followed by him, American Grant Hundley, who will be seen umpiring for the first time in the Hero HIL, has officiated in 59 international matches, which includes the FIH Junior Men World Cup 2013, inaugural Youth Olympic Games 2010 and FIH Hockey World League Round 2, 2013.

Along with them, New Zealand’s David Tomlinson, a regular umpire in the NZ National Hockey League, will manage the best international players in the field during the Hero HIL 2015.  He has umpired 42 international matches including the FIH Junior Men World Cup 2013, Youth Olympic Games 2010 and FIH Champions Challenge 1, 2014 in Malaysia. Jakub Mejzlik from Czech Republic who has umpired in the 41 international matches and has earned experience of conducting top level matches during the Hero HIL 2014 is ready for the Hero HIL season 3. Mejzlik, who was awarded ‘The Best Umpire of Czech Republic 2011-2014’, has conducted Asian Games 2014, FIH World League Round 2, 2014 and the European Hockey League Final.

Along with the highly experienced umpires, the panel also has promising umpires such as Argentina’s German Montes de Oca and Spain’s Francisco Vazquez. German Montes has umpired in 75 international matches including major tournaments such as 2012 London Olympics, FIH World Cup 2014, FIH World League Round Final 2014, FIH Champions Trophy 2011 and Junior World Cup, Malaysia 2009. On the other hand, Vazquez has officiated in FIH Champions Challenge 1, 2009 & 2011 and Euro Hockey National Championship 2009 & 2011.