Hockey India CEO Elena Norman resigns

New Delhi: Hockey India’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elena Norman resigned on Tuesday, ending her 13-year-old association with the federation. She was one of the first CEOs in Indian sports federations.

Making the announcement, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “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.”

He added, “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.”

The federation in its statement said Elena had played an important in promoting women’s hockey in India through the Hockey India Annual Awards and played a pivotal role in the women’s team’s historic 2016 Rio Olympics qualification. Under her mentorship, the team participated in the Olympics after 36 years.

Elena, an Australian, took charge in 2011, soon after Hockey India was recognised as the sport’s governing body years after the Indian Hockey Federation was suspended. During her tenure, Hockey India hosted FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, FIH Junior Men’s World Cup, Hockey India League, and also won bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.