Following extended rumors, Elena Norman, the long-time CEO of Hockey India, tendered her resignation on Tuesday, concluding a 13-year tenure with the federation and signifying the close of a significant chapter in the sport's administrative history. Elena Norman's resignation came days after India's women's coach Janneke Shopman's exit.
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Elena Norman parted ways with Hockey India
In 2011, Australian Elena Norman assumed the role of CEO shortly after Hockey India was officially recognised as the sport's governing body, following a period of administrative confusion and legal disputes that began with the suspension of the former Indian Hockey Federation. Her appointment marked her as one of the pioneering CEOs in Indian sports federations, and she quickly took the helm at Hockey India.
As a trusted advisor to Narinder Batra, then secretary-general of Hockey India who later ascended to the positions of HI president, FIH president, and IOA president, Norman played a pivotal role in transforming Hockey India into one of the most efficiently managed national sports federations in the country. She introduced a level of professionalism previously unseen, leading to a contemporary work environment within the teams. However, her uncompromising and demanding approach often resulted in tensions and resentment.
“Elena was at the forefront of bringing women’s hockey into the limelight, providing them equal facilities as the men’s team, including cash awards...The CEO also spearheaded the launch of Hockey India Coaches Education Pathway that equipped domestic coaches with global standards along with various initiatives for Indian technical and match officials,” a Hockey India release said.
With Batra stepping away from sports administration, Norman found herself in a challenging situation. She acknowledged some time ago that she had been engaged in a difficult struggle for a considerable period, even with the support from Dilip Tirkey, who succeeded Batra as HI president. Upon accepting her resignation, Tirkey acknowledged the challenging "working conditions" and "outstanding payments" as factors contributing to her exit, although her overdue salary for three months was finally settled recently after numerous reminders.
Speculation about Norman's potential resignation had been circulating since the women's Asian Champions Trophy in November, and her absence during last month's Olympic Qualifiers only fueled these rumors. It is understood that she had been left out of most official communications in recent months and removed from key decision-making processes.
Dilip Tirkey reacts to Elena Norman's resignation
Upon accepting her resignation, Hockey India President, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, stated:
“I would like to express my gratitude for Elena’s time and dedication. Not only as the President of Hockey India but also as a former player and avid hockey enthusiast, I want to formally acknowledge and extend my sincere gratitude for her remarkable contributions over the last 12-13 years."
“Her dedication and efforts have played a pivotal role in propelling Hockey India and Indian hockey to the commendable position they hold today. I wish her great success in all her future endeavours,” he added.
During her term, Hockey India organised several major international events, such as the FIH Champions Trophy, FIH World League Finals in 2015 and 2017, FIH Olympic Qualifiers in 2019 and 2024, as well as the FIH Hockey Pro League matches on home soil. She played a key role in the remarkable achievement of the women's hockey team, which qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics. This marked a historic moment as the team made its first Olympic appearance in 36 years. Furthermore, the women's team secured another Olympic spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics during the qualifiers held in Bhubaneswar in 2019.
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