Major Subramaniam Singaraveloo
The 2024 FISU World University Championship Squash tournament is in sight. While squash enthusiasts eagerly await the start of the championship, FISU has appointed some of the world’s most renowned referees to officiate the games.
The championship opening ceremony at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will take place in less than 25 days, scheduled for Sunday, 1 September 2024 at the Arts Theatre.
Leading the officiating team is Major Subramaniam Singaraveloo, Tournament Director and a highly respected figure in the world of squash. With a career spanning decades, including officiating at national championships, making World Games appearances, and coaching roles in Malaysia and India, Major Singaraveloo brings a wealth of experience to the event.
He was the first Asian to officiate a world championship final and was honored with the Chief Minister’s trophy for the best referee in India in 2018. He was also part of the technical panel for the 2014 World University Championships in Chennai.
The veteran Major Singaraveloo, who celebrated his 70th birthday on 11 March this year, is a former Malaysian national champion (1983/85). He represented his country in three World Team championships (1979/81/85) before becoming a leading coach for Malaysia and in India. He managed a number of Asian and World squash committees.
Joining Major Singaraveloo are Mr. Srikanth Seshadri and Mr. Ralf Harenberg, WSO Level 4 referees with extensive experience in top−tier events such as the European Team Championships and the World Games. Their inclusion further elevates the officiating standard, fairness and professionalism of the tournament.
By 2007, Seshadri began to officiate international matches after etching his name in India’s national squash championships. A Kangayam resident in the town of Tirupur district, he is the first Asian, let alone an Indian, who has officiated a women’s final of a world championship in Cairo. He has since officiated in many other national and world championships, including the Asian Games as well as the Commonwealth Games.
Harenberg, from Germany, is one of many international referees who have officiated at highly recognised events such as the European Team Championships in Amsterdam and the World Games in Wroclaw. He was one of the 14 Level 4 who were announced on the same day as Level 5 maestros John Massarella (England) and Roy Gingell (Wales) were unveiled by the WSO.
The WSO referees are appointed for a term of 3 years subject to approved continuous appraisals.
Since 2010, Harenberg has been an official world referee at tournaments in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world rankings.
“The presence of such esteemed referees underscores the tournament’s significance and commitment to upholding the highest levels of fairness and professionalism,” says Ms Marissa Langeni, University Sport South Africa (USSA) CEO.
She added, “As the countdown to the FISU World University Squash Championships continues, anticipation grows for a spectacular event that will showcase not only the world’s best student−athletes but also the pinnacle of officiating expertise.”
The Joburg 2024 event, organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), brings together the best student−athletes from around the globe to compete for the coveted title. The tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, skill, and sportsmanship.
Beyond the competition, the FISU World University Squash Championships offer a unique opportunity for student−athletes to connect with peers from different cultures, fostering international friendships and understanding.
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Mr. Srikanth Seshadri
Mr. Ralf Harenberg
14 August 2024 | 
