Nathan Stagno voted international umpire of the year

Gibraltarian hockey umpire Nathan Stagno was named the International Hockey Federation [FIH] Umpire of the Year yesterday, just weeks after being awarded the FIH Golden Whistle for 100 senior umpire appearances.

Mr Stagno has officiated at some of the sport’s biggest competitions, including the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 in the Hague, as well as two Champions Trophy events and a Commonwealth Games.

“I am very proud to have been shortlisted with three of the best umpires in the world,” he said. “I do not consider myself as the best in the world. I just walk before I can run.”

The news was announced by the FIH on its Twitter feed yesterday. 

Congratulations to Nathan Stagno just announced as FIH Men's Umpire of the Year 2015!! 👏 👌 pic.twitter.com/Xkaqnz4ny7

— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 27, 2016

The announcement was immediately welcomed in Gibraltar, where the Gibraltar Hockey Association explained the significance of the award.

To put this in context, Nathan Stagno, from the tiny Catalan Bay Village, Gibraltar, is the best Hockey Umpire in the entire World! Amazing

— Gibraltar Hockey (@gibraltarhockey) January 27, 2016

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