BANGKOK: Anupama Puchimanda has become the first Indian woman umpire to officiate in 50 international hockey matches.

The 29-year-old achieved the landmark here in the seventh Women’s Asia Cup when she officiated in the match between Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei on Tuesday.

Asia Cup Tournament Director Shin Jung Hee of South Korea presented her a bouquet to mark the occasion before the match.

The Bangalore-based Anupama started her international career in 2004 with a four-nation tournament in Japan.

Since then, she has officiated in 17 international tournaments including the Commonwealth Games, Caribbean Games and Youth Olympics.

She has also officiated in events in Asia, Africa, America and European continents.

The finals she officiated this year are the Sydney Youth Olympic Games, Spar Cup in South Africa and Junior Asia Cup in Malaysia.

“I am happy I chose this profession,” she said. “This motivates me to focus more on the job. I will be happy if one day I get to officiate in the Olympics.”