Satinder Kumar has become the first Indian umpire to get the golden whistle from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for officiating in 100 matches.

Satinder is the 29th international umpire to get the honour, Hockey India said in a statement. Satinder umpired in his 100th match at the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers in Invercargill, New Zealand yesterday.

He officiated in his first international match in 2000 and gained became an International Grade 1 Umpire a year later.

He continued to impress and was selected on the World Panel in 2002. His career highlights include officiating in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. He has also officiated in two World Cups and a five Champions Trophies.