New Delhi: Indian hockey is going through a leadership transformative phase as Elena Norman, the longstanding Chief Executive Officer of Hockey India, tendered her resignation on Tuesday, marking the end of an era that witnessed unprecedented success and growth for the sport in the country.
Norman, who held the CEO position for nearly 13 years, played a pivotal role in steering both the Indian Men and Women’s Hockey teams to new heights during her tenure. Under her leadership, the teams achieved remarkable milestones, including historic achievements at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.
The Indian Men’s Hockey team, under Norman’s guidance, secured a Bronze medal in Tokyo, ending a 41-year-long medal drought. Simultaneously, the women’s team achieved an unprecedented fourth position, showcasing the remarkable progress made under her watch.
One of the highlights of Norman’s tenure was the successful hosting of major international tournaments in India. The Federation, under her leadership, organized two consecutive editions of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup (2018 and 2023), two FIH Junior Men’s World Cup events (2016 and 2021), and five editions of the Hockey India League.
Norman’s emphasis on promoting women’s hockey was evident in her efforts to provide equal facilities and recognition to the women’s team. The successful qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics, after a 36-year hiatus, was a historic achievement under her tenure. The team also secured successive Olympic berths in 2019, a testament to the consistent progress made under her leadership.
Apart from her contributions to the teams’ success, Elena Norman spearheaded initiatives such as the Hockey India Coaches Education Pathway, aimed at elevating the coaching standards in the country to global levels. Various other programs were also implemented for the development of Indian Technical and Match Officials.
In response to her resignation, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr Dilip Tirkey expressed his gratitude for Elena’s dedication and contributions. Dr Tirkey acknowledged her pivotal role in the remarkable rise of Indian hockey, both at the domestic and international levels, and wished her success in all her future endeavors.
Elena Norman’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for Indian hockey, leaving behind a legacy of achievements and a solid foundation for the continued growth of the sport in the country.