Son’s Historic Achievement in British South Asian Refereeing – A Source of Pride for Dad
Sunny Singh Gill is set to make history as the first British South Asian referee in the Premier League, a moment that fills his father, former referee Jarnail Singh, with immense pride. Jarnail recalls the early days when he would take Sunny and his brother Bhupinder to run the line for him at Asian tournaments, a time that paved the way for their success in English football.
A Proud and Emotional Moment
Jarnail expresses his overwhelming emotions as he reflects on Sunny’s upcoming debut in the Premier League. He states that as a parent, it is their wish for their children to surpass their own achievements in life. Both Sunny and Bhupinder have exceeded their expectations, making it a proud moment not just for the family but also for their friends, community, and the Sikh religion. Jarnail admits that watching his son on the field will be an emotional experience.
Bhupinder’s Groundbreaking Achievement
Bhupinder, Sunny’s brother, has already made history himself by becoming the first Sikh to serve as a Premier League assistant referee. In January 2023, Bhupinder ran the line in the match between Southampton and Nottingham Forest, marking a significant milestone for the Sikh community.
Advice and Support
When asked if he has any advice for Sunny ahead of his top-flight debut, Jarnail jokingly suggests that Sunny should do the opposite of what he would do. However, he acknowledges that Sunny is his own person and has received excellent support from coaches and psychologists through the Elite Referee Development Plan. Jarnail has complete faith in Sunny’s preparation both mentally and physically for the upcoming game.
The Journey to Success
Sunny’s journey to becoming a Premier League referee started with his promotion from the National League to the English Football League in 2022. This advancement allowed him to leave his job as a prison officer and focus entirely on his refereeing career. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organization responsible for refereeing appointments in English leagues, recognized Sunny’s potential and provided him with the necessary resources and opportunities to train, develop, and interact with Premier League and Championship referees.
Promoting Diversity in Football
Sunny’s achievement comes at a time when the Football Association (FA) and PGMOL are actively working towards increasing the diversity of match officials across all levels of football. The FA aims to have 1,000 more women referees and 1,000 more black or Asian referees at all levels by 2026. In collaboration with the PGMOL, they have launched an initiative to strengthen the pathway for match officials from historically underrepresented communities, ensuring that opportunities are available for everyone.
Inspiring Others
Jarnail emphasizes the importance of representation in inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds. He believes that Sunny’s presence on the field will encourage others to pursue their dreams. Sunny, along with his brother Bhupinder, serves as a role model, as do other officials such as Akil Howson, Sam Allison, and Rebecca Welch, who have been given similar opportunities in the sport.
A Great Statement for the Premier League
Crystal Palace’s new manager Oliver Glasner recognizes the significance of Sunny’s achievement. He believes that it sends a powerful message that anything is possible for everyone. Glasner commends Sunny’s exceptional performances as a referee and states that he doesn’t need any advice because he deserves this opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As Sunny prepares for his debut in the Premier League, Jarnail acknowledges that this is just the beginning. He believes that the most important thing is for Sunny to continue to excel and make a lasting impact on the sport. With his talent and dedication, Sunny has the potential to inspire future generations of referees from diverse backgrounds.
In conclusion, Sunny Singh Gill’s historic achievement as the first British South Asian referee in the Premier League is a source of immense pride for his father and the entire community. His journey to success showcases the importance of representation and the ongoing efforts to promote diversity in football. Sunny’s debut provides hope and inspiration for individuals who dream of breaking barriers and pursuing their passions. As he takes to the field, Sunny has the opportunity to make a lasting impact, not just as a referee but as a role model for others to follow.