Overview
- The International Hockey Federation announced the honor on Tuesday, citing professionalism, dedication and excellence in officiating.
- Recipients are selected by the FIH Umpiring Committee, and in non‑Olympic years the award can recognize broader, long-term impact.
- Prasad has 198 international umpiring caps and 33 video umpire appointments, with the FIH saying he is poised to reach 200 at the 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia as the first Asian to do so.
- Since his 2003 international debut, he has officiated at four FIH World Cups and three Olympic Games, plus the Pro League, Commonwealth Games and major Asian events.
- Argentina’s Irene Presenqui was named the Female Umpire of the Year.