In the heart of the thrilling Indian football scene, where emotions run high and battles are fought with fervor, there exists a group of unsung heroes – the referees. These men, often criticized and rarely celebrated, play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of the beautiful game. As the new Indian football season kicks off, we shine the spotlight on the top referees who are making waves in the country right now. While we won’t be ranking them, we’ll delve deep into their journeys and achievements.
Pranjal Banerjee
Hailing from the football-crazy city of Kolkata, Pranjal Banerjee has etched his name as a professional Indian referee who commands respect in the I-League and ISL. His journey as an empanelled AFC Elite Referee since 2015 showcases his consistency and excellence in officiating matches. In 2016, Banerjee’s decisiveness earned him the AIFF Referee of the Year award. His career reached new heights when he had the privilege of training with FIFA officials during the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 hosted in India, underlining his prowess on the field.
Aditya Purkayastha
Aditya Purkayastha’s journey as a football referee is nothing short of inspiring. His resume boasts officiating in prestigious events like the I-League 2nd division, I-League, ISL, Durand Cup, and various AIFF events. His dedication and commitment to the sport earned him a spot as one of the Category 1 referees empanelled by AIFF. Notably, in July 2020, he was among the select 50 referees who benefited from the online FIFA M.A. Course for referees organized by AIFF. Aditya Purkayastha embodies the spirit of the new generation of Indian football referees, dedicated and hungry for success.
Rahul Gupta
Rahul Gupta’s name resonates throughout India’s domestic football circuit, making him one of the most experienced referees in recent times. His remarkable journey reached a pinnacle in July when he was bestowed with the AIFF Referee of the Year award, the highest honor in the profession. Furthermore, Gupta’s officiation of the Durand Cup 2023 final, where Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a 1-0 victory in the legendary ‘Kolkata Derby,’ solidified his reputation as a top-notch referee.
Harish Kundu
In the tumultuous world of Indian domestic football, Harish Kundu stands out as one of the most disciplined referees. His impressive track record includes officiating in the I-League 2nd Division, I-League, ISL, Durand Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup, among other prestigious tournaments. In January 2023, Kundu, along with Rahul Gupta, was among the first batch of elite match officials awarded full-time contracts under the Elite Refereeing Development Programme (ERDP) of Indian football. This recognition reflects his unwavering dedication to the sport.
C.R. Srikrishna
Coimbatore Ramaswamy Srikrishna, fondly known as C.R. Srikrishna, has been a stalwart in Indian football refereeing. His journey commenced in 2008 when he began officiating I-League games and various AIFF events. In 2010, he achieved the status of a FIFA match official, a testament to his dedication and expertise. Srikrishna’s remarkable consistency and decisiveness earned him the AIFF Referee of the Year award on three occasions, during the 2011-12, 2015-16, and 2017-18 seasons, respectively. Over the years, he has officiated in prestigious tournaments like the ISL, I-League, Durand Cup, Federation Cup, AFC Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup, showcasing his versatility and competence.
The Unseen Heroes of Indian Football
Referees, despite their critical role, are often subjected to the ire of passionate football fans. Controversial decisions, made in the heat of the moment, can lead to criticism and frustration. However, it’s important to remember that no one is error-free, and the challenges they face are immense.
To ensure the integrity of the game, it’s crucial that the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) collaborate to introduce technology in Indian football. Implementing VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and other modern technologies can assist referees in making accurate decisions and reduce controversies on the field.