The FIH regrets to announce the passing away of Christiane Asselman, the Belgian former FIH World Cup and Olympic Umpire.
Christiane became an International Umpire in 1978 and achieved Grade 1 status the following year. She umpired in three Olympic Games in Los Angeles (USA) in 1984, Seoul (KOR) in 1988 and Barcelona (ESP) in 1992. In 1990 she became one of a select group of International Umpires to receive a Golden Whistle, awarded for umpiring 100 Senior International matches. She was the first female Belgian and the third Women's Umpire to achieve this milestone. Christiane also umpired in three World Cups, Buenos Aires (ARG) in 1981, Amsterdam (NED) in 1986 and Sydney (AUS) in 1990.
Also an accomplished Indoor International Umpire, Christiane achieved Grade 1 status in 1989, and eventually retired from International Outdoor and Indoor umpiring in 1996. She was active within Belgium, serving on various ARBH Committees.
Christiane will be missed by all of her many friends from within the world of hockey. She will be remembered for her warm welcome, energy, and in particular her sense of fun. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.
