Why has Elena Norman resigned as Hockey India CEO?

Elena Norman has revealed a “difficult” environment within Hockey India which prevented her from carrying out her duties as CEO. On Tuesday she tendered her resignation to organisation president and former player Dilip Tirkey.

Norman, who had been part of Hockey India for 13 years, said there are factions within the national body leading to a political tussle.

“Absolutely, it was getting tough to deliver in the fight between two factions,” Norman told news agency PTI.

“There are two factions in Hockey India. There is (President) Dilip Tirkey and I and there is (Secretary) Bholanath Singh, (Executive Director) Cdr. R K Srivastava and (Treasurer) Sekar J Manoharan,” she said.

“There are guys who want power and then there is (HI President) Dilip (Tirkey) who is a nice guy, only after betterment of Indian hockey,” the 49-year-old explained.

The entire situation has been further aggravated by non-payment of her remuneration for three months.

“There were some issues (regarding my salary) and after much persuasion that got cleared last week,” Norman said.

Her resignation is the second big blow to HI in the last few days after India women's hockey team coach Janneke Schopman resigned, also complaining of a difficult work environment.

The Dutch coach said she was not being valued and appreciated by the governing body.

Norman also felt similarly and talked about the infighting within HI without dwelling on the issues. She praised Tirkey for his unwavering support.

Those within Hockey India feel Tirkey has struggled to devote time to national body due to his political commitments with the Biju Janata Dal party in Odisha. He is expected to fight the Lok Sabha elections later this year.

Norman, was appointed the federation’s first CEO in 2011, said she has put her points across to the HI board and is now looking forward to a break.

“I have addressed my point to the board members. Dilip knows everything but I don’t want to go into specifics. I feel it’s my time to leave and I am excited about new opportunities. It’s just time for myself now,” she said.

“I am going to take a holiday, I am going to go fishing, I am going to go for some trek, I am going to spend time with my family. I have been here for a long time so I just want to unwind now.

“I will take at least three months off and then look for exciting opportunities. I don’t know what will happen in future to be honest but it’s all going to be great,” she added.

Norman served a major part of her stint with HI when Narinder Batra was the president of the national body.