Komaleeswaran Sankar made history by becoming the first Indian referee to officiate in a FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone for Indian football and refereeing. His achievement helped elevate the profile of Indian referees on the global stage and showcased the growing influence of Indian football officials in international competitions.
Komaleeswaran Sankar was selected as an official referee for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. His selection was a major breakthrough, as it marked India’s first representation by a referee at the World Cup.
Sankar’s appointment was a momentous achievement, reflecting the increasing recognition of Indian officials in the global football community.
Sankar’s debut match at the 2002 World Cup was a Group G league match between Mexico and Croatia on 3 June 2002.
The match was an exciting encounter in the group stages, and Sankar was tasked with managing a high-intensity game between two competitive teams. His officiating in this match helped cement his place in the history of Indian football.
Komaleeswaran Sankar officiated in a total of three matches during the 2002 World Cup, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure international tournaments.
His role as a World Cup referee was a remarkable achievement for Indian refereeing and contributed to the growth of football officiating in India.
Sankar’s participation in the 2002 World Cup was a monumental achievement that earned him recognition not only within India but also in the global football community.
As the first Indian World Cup referee, he opened doors for future Indian referees to aspire to reach similar heights. His success served as an inspiration to young officials and helped to raise the standards of refereeing in Indian football.
Sankar’s achievement proved that India could produce top-level referees capable of officiating at the highest level of international football.
Komaleeswaran Sankar’s selection as a referee for the 2002 FIFA World Cup is a landmark moment in Indian football history. His role in officiating three matches at the prestigious tournament demonstrated the rising prominence of Indian football referees on the global stage. Sankar’s legacy as the first Indian World Cup referee remains a significant achievement, not just for Indian football, but for the entire footballing community in India.
