Elena Norman resigns as Hockey India CEO days after Janneke Schopman's exit

Elena Norman resigned as CEO of Hockey India on Tuesday, just three days after women’s hockey coach Janneke Schopman had stepped down. Norman had occupied the role for 13 years.

Schopman had resigned from her role after claiming that she and her team were not treated equally as the men and not valued by the Hockey India officials.

In an interview, Schopman said she found support from Norman during her stint as the coach of the Indian team.

Hockey India president and former player Dilip Tirkey expressed gratitude for Norman and her contribution towards the sport in the country.

Accepting her resignation, he 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. 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.”

During her leadership role in Hockey India, the teams reached their career-best world rankings and historic achievements at the Tokyo Olympics. A bronze medal in Japan ended India’s 41-year wait for a medal at an Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the women finished an unprecedented fourth.

She oversaw the hosting of major hockey events - two consecutive editions of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 and 2023, two FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021, FIH Champions Trophy, FIH World League Finals in 2015 and 2017, FIH Olympic Qualifiers in 2019 and 2024, FIH Hockey Pro League home games and five editions of the Hockey India League.

Norman was instrumental in promoting women’s hockey, ensuring equal facilities and recognition.

Norman played a key role in the women’s team qualifying for the Olympics after 36 years, in 2016, and a second straight edition by virtue of Qualifiers in Bhubaneswar in 2019. She spearheaded initiatives to enhance coaching standards and support for Indian hockey.