Hockey India CEO Elena Norman resigns citing unpaid dues, difficult work environment

Vinayak Padmadeo

New Delhi, February 27

Close on the heels of Indian women’s coach Janneke Schopman, Hockey India chief executive officer Elena Norman has also put in her papers.

Norman who has been the top official of Hockey India for the good part of the last decade has cited “unpaid dues and difficult working environment”.

Elena’s resignation has been accepted but it is not clear when she would be relieved of her duties.

Hockey India president and former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey while accepting the resignation acknowledged Elena’s contribution towards the growth of the game in India.

However, in a separate correspondence with HI board members, Tirkey did say that he did all he could do to persuade Norman to continue in the role.

“Despite my best efforts to persuade Elena to continue her invaluable contributions to our organisation, we cannot overlook the challenges she has faced, particularly issues surrounding unpaid dues and increasingly difficult working environment,” Tirkey said in his mail on Tuesday.

“The decision for her departure is truly disappointing, as I firmly believe that Hockey India is losing a seasoned professional who has played a pivotal role in the growth and elevation of the sport’s professionalism over the past 12 years. Her dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the organisation’s achievements, and her departure is undoubtedly to the detriment of Hockey India,” he added.