Harpajan Singh Dhillon took the path less travelled by most of Singapore’s Sikh sportsmen in the 1960s when he focused on football instead of hockey.
It was a decision that led him to set several milestones in his career and life, prompting many in the football fraternity to send tributes upon his death on Oct 21.
Dhillon died from blood pressure issues in hospital at the age of 90.
His fascination with football grew when he became a teacher and was put in charge of the sport as an extra curricular activity.
A chance refereeing course in 1962 changed his life, and in just five years he attained the Class 1 rank.
In 1969, at the age of 35, he reached the pinnacle when he was appointed a FIFA referee. At the time, he was the only turbaned Sikh referee in the world.
He “set a significant milestone for Singapore”, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said in a tribute to Dhillon.
“As a referee, he was extremely dedicated and hardworking and was always ready to represent Singapore when duty called,” said Fifa referee T. Rajamanickam. “He changed the face of refereeing in Singapore.”
Throughout the 1970s, Dhillon would go on to officiate several international matches, including World Cup qualifiers.
He was the honorary secretary of the Football Referees’ Association of Singapore for about 10 years, and in 1975, he became the association’s president.
He retired from refereeing in 1984.
“He was fearsome and never compromised over 90 minutes,” said former FAS referee and referee instructor Suresh Nair. “But beneath the strict frame was a gentle soul who was friendly and caring.”
Dhillon’s eldest son Savinder Singh, 64, a teacher, said: “We are very proud of all his achievements. He was very fair and took no nonsense from anyone. But he was also always concerned about his children and grandchildren and helped all of us when he could.
“He had a humourous side and wanted all of us to do well and enjoy life.”
Dhillon is survived by his wife Baljit Kaur, 87, Mr Savinder and three daughters.
