New Delhi: RV Raghu Prasad has been appointed as an umpire while Claudius De Sales will officiate as a judge in the London Olympics 2012 as per the official confirmation received from the International Hockey Federation.

33-year-old Raghu Prasad has booked his berth for London Olympics as one of the 17 elite umpires. Raghu, who has risen steadily ever since he started officiating in international hockey events in 2003, was one of the two umpires shortlisted from India. Having done two men’s Champions Trophies (2005, 2009) and two Junior World Cups (2005, 2009), he saw the first phase of his dream come true when he made his first appearance in the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi. Then came an Asian Games call-up in Guangzhou the same year.

“As a World development panel umpire has always been my dream to officiate in the hockey’s dream tournaments and this time my dream has come true,” Raghu said.

Raghu was one of the 29 umpires alerted a few months ago by FIH and thereafter he has intensified his fitness and exercise regime as per the FIH requirements. During this time he also officiated in the Champions Challenge -1 held in South Africa last month. Raghu’s next assignment is the Olympic Qualifier in Japan in April next year.

Meanwhile, 47-year-old Claudius De Sales from Mumbai has been officiating in FIH tournaments for the past six years.  Claudius has been appointed by FIH in some big events in the recent past, including as a Judge on the 2010 FIH World Cup held at New Delhi. He has also been appointed as a Technical Officer for both the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi and Asian Games at Guangzhou, China 2010.

Claudius first appearance as a technical officer appointed by FIH was in the 2006 Asia Cup, after which he was regularly been appointed as technical officer by FIH in important tournaments like AHF Cup, Junior Asia Cup etc.

“It’s a proud moment for Indian Hockey that Raghu and myself have been appointed by FIH in the World’s most prestigious sporting event, 2012 Olympic Games,” Claudius said.

Prior to his appointment with FIH, Claudius has 12 years’ experience umpiring in all A grade Indian domestic hockey tournaments.