Komaleeswaran Sankar’s career as a football referee is marked by significant milestones, establishing him as one of India’s most distinguished referees in the international football scene. His selection for the 2000 Sydney Olympics was another prestigious achievement in his illustrious refereeing career, further cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest football officials.
Komaleeswaran Sankar became an Olympic referee when he was selected for the 2000 Sydney Olympics football tournament, representing India on the global stage.
He was one of only four match officials selected from Asia, showcasing his abilities and the recognition he earned internationally.
His selection for the Olympics was a prestigious accomplishment, as it placed him among the top football referees globally, officiating in a major international tournament.
Sankar’s journey as a referee began in 1988, when he first started officiating in football matches.
He rose through the ranks of Indian football and, by 1994, had earned his status as a national referee, officiating in domestic and international matches across Asia.
His ability to handle complex and high-pressure situations on the field allowed him to earn respect among footballers, coaches, and fellow referees.
According to FIFA rules, referees must retire by the age of 45, which is when Sankar hung up his whistle in 2007.
His retirement marked the end of an era in Indian football officiating. However, his legacy continued to influence the next generation of referees, who looked up to his achievements as a model for success in the international refereeing domain.
Sankar’s contribution to Indian football refereeing is invaluable. He became a symbol of excellence, showing that Indian referees could achieve top-level success on the global stage.
By officiating in tournaments like the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he became an inspiration for other referees in India and Asia.
Sankar helped raise the profile of Indian referees, proving that they could compete and excel at the highest levels of international football.
Komaleeswaran Sankar’s career as an Olympic referee and FIFA World Cup official is a testament to his skill, dedication, and professionalism. His selections for major international tournaments like the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2002 FIFA World Cup placed him among the elite referees in the world. Sankar’s journey from becoming a national referee in 1994 to retiring in 2007 set an example for future generations of Indian football referees, and his legacy continues to influence football officiating in India.
