Hyderabad based Harsvardhan is one of the three umpires for the first match on the Second day of the PHL IV here in Chandigarh. It is not a big news unless one finds out he is perhaps the first former PHL player to become umpire and waiting for his duty in the PHL.

Guntur born Harsvardhan, 27, formed the midfield of the victorious Hyderabad Sultans in the first PHL. Three years down the line, Harsvardhan changed his role from player to Coach and Umpire. The results are there for everyone to see.

After a few national tournaments, he was selected by the Indian Hockey Federation for the 8-Nation Easter Cup as India’s umpire. The tournament was held last year at Monchengladbach’s hockey facilities, where he got to officiate in four matches. He got to know that he would soon be inducted in to the FIH Umpires Panels, and it was so soon.

Being passionate about hockey, Harsh, who was playing for Hyderabad based Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd for a small sum, he has now taken up coaching.

Hailing from a middle class family, amidst highly qualified brothers and a sister, finds pleasure in hockey and his decision to become umpire at this young age seems to be paying his dividends. Soon he will be India’s umpire in an another tournament, the 8-Nation to be held in Kuala Lumpur early next year.

Meanwhile Kukoowalia, a member of the FIH Umpiring Committee, expressed happiness that two Indians made it to the FIH umpires panel in the last two months. The other being Jalandhar’s Navtej Singh.