MARGAO
Sport remains an essential part of the lifestyle of Goans with more and more youngsters excelling in various sports. While the State has produced a number of star players on the pitch across sports, there are many Goan who have excelled as match referees and umpires.
22-year-old hockey player from Goa Nikita Naik is the latest to become a hockey umpire after acquiring a Hockey National umpire badge.
"I was hopeful of passing the national exam. Even my colleagues and teachers used to tell me that through my performance I might get the Hockey India National appointed umpire badge soon I am very happy and will continue to do better in life," Nikita said.
Naik has so far officiated in All India hockey tournament in Pune and various state and inter-university matches. She started playing hockey in 2018 and graduated from DMC College, Mapusa.
"Even if you make a correct decision, the players and officials against whom the decision goes, as well as the crowd, tend to react. However, you have to be very confident of yourself and stay focused. Sometimes we do make mistakes. At that time too, we have to be confident or else it will have an impact on the next decision. So, to minimise the mistake, one has to be very tough, mentally," she said.
