An umpire par excellence!
Like players, Sudhakar says that umpires also work hard to prepare for matches.
City-based badminton umpire Vemuri Sudhakar has the unique distinction of being the only Indian to officiate in three consecutive Olympics (1992, 1996 and 2000). So much so, that even after his superannuation in December 2016, he recently received an invitation to officiate at the Asian Junior Championship at Jakarta.
“I’m glad that my services are remembered,” shares Sudhakar, adding, “I first got fascinated with the sport at 22, although it was too late to start as a player. I transformed my interest into officiating games instead.”
Like players, Sudhakar says that umpires also work hard to prepare for matches. “I used to officiate practice matches for a week so that it would make things easy for me during the actual matches,” he reveals.
Ask if he ever felt the pressure while officiating crucial encounters in his 28 years’ experience and he says, “Pressure builds when umpires don’t have the confidence to officiate Olympic games featuring world champions. The umpire must have knowledge and be clear about the regulations.”
Sudhakar adds, “Knowledge about the laws of the land is important for honest, friendly and firm decision making. Also, the way you communicate (expressions, body language, etc.) the decision is important. That’s what I enjoyed throughout my umpiring career. When I am in the chair, players should feel that the match is safe. As an umpire, we enjoy the game the most because we watch it from the closest vantage point.”
A recipient of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his role as a mentor for BWF umpires, and a member of the BWF Umpire Assessment Panel, Sudhakar believes that his umpiring decisions reflect his personality.
Sudhakar now teaches umpires and conducts technical courses across Asia. “I keep telling aspiring umpires that moral conduct and behavioural aspects are the key to good umpiring decisions. Also, over the years, I have also appeared for several examinations at various levels to upgrade my own knowledge,” shares Sudhakar.