For 57-year-old Norman Issac it was another feather in his cap when he officiated as Technical Delegate with more or less the functions of a Game Commissioner in the recently-concluded FIBA World Cup in Beijing (China) with distinction.
The articulate Hyderabadi, known for his vast technical knowledge on basketball, has become the first-ever Indian to officiate in this capacity in any World Cup so far and is thrilled with the experience.
“It is a totally different kind of feeling to be there in a World Cup. It was a totally different kind of assignment for 16 days compared to my previous stints as FIBA Commissioner in other major events. It is so advanced and coordinating with each and every member from the referees to the shot-block operator to the visible display scoring officials was a huge task,” said Norman.
No pressure
“There was no pressure at all as I looked up to it as a challenge and am glad that I pulled off a pretty decent job. The only problem was when conversing with some Chinese table officials. I had to express myself in numbers and colours,” he said with a big smile.
“This World Cup too had Instant Review System but unlike the DRS in cricket, there are no restrictions on the number of appeals. This is to ensure free and fair play is always on,” he added.
How did he feel before the World Cup final which Spain won beating Argentina 97-75? “Frankly, there were butterflies in my stomach. But, I told to myself that I got this chance because of the good work done in the previous 16 games. I was a bit worried for any slip-up could tarnish the impression I gained right through.
Terrific final
“Mercifully and thanks to the collective effort of all the officials involved, it was a terrific final for me also. For me, the biggest satisfaction was there was not a single issue in the matches I officiated including the final,” he added.
“It was the ultimate dream to be there in a World Cup. To get a chance in the final is something truly memorable. Like in football, World Cup in basketball is much bigger than it is in Olympics.
“Having said that my next big dream is to officiate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Given the track record in the World Cup, I am hopeful, if not over-confident. The Olympics has its own special place for any athlete and official too,” added Norman.