Elena Norman, the CEO of Hockey India, announced her resignation on February 27 after nearly 13 years in the position. Norman’s departure comes only days after Janneke Schopman, the women’s team coach, resigned abruptly, claiming uneven treatment from stockholders in HI.
Accepting Norman’s resignation, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed gratitude and appreciated her efforts for the sport in the country.
I want to convey my appreciation for Elena’s time and effort. Not only as President of Hockey India but also as a former player and enthusiastic hockey fan, I would like to properly thank and express my heartfelt appreciation for her outstanding achievements over the previous 12-13 years. Her devotion and efforts have been instrumental in driving Hockey India and Indian hockey to its current enviable status. Tirkey issued a statement wishing her well in all of her future endeavors.
Politics in Hockey India
Norman’s leaving is the second blow to Hockey India in recent days, following the resignation of Indian women’s hockey team coach Janneke Schopman, who also complained about a tough working environment.
Schopman said she was not regarded and acknowledged by the governing body. Norman made similar claims and discussed internal conflict within Hockey India without addressing the underlying concerns. She did, however, compliment Tirkey for his steadfast support.
Norman quit after 13 years in the role, and while Hockey India did not share the particular reasons for her leaving in its official announcement, the Australian did speak out about what prompted her to leave. “Absolutely, it was getting tough to deliver in the fight between two factions,” says Norman.
“There are two groups within Hockey India. There are (President) Dilip Tirkey and I, as well as (Secretary) Bholanath Singh, (Executive Director) Cdr. R K Srivastava, and (Treasurer) Sekar J Manoharan,” she stated. “There are guys who want power and then there is (HI President) Dilip (Tirkey) who is a nice guy, only after the betterment of Indian hockey,” the 49-year-old added.
Tirkey has struggled to spend time with Hockey India owing to his political responsibilities with the Biju Janata Dal party in Odisha. He is scheduled to run for Lok Sabha elections later this year.
Elena Norman’s Contribution to Hockey India
Norman supervised excellent success for both the men’s and women’s teams when she was the CEO of Hockey India. During Norman’s reign, both sides achieved their highest global rankings and enjoyed unparalleled success at the Tokyo Olympics.
The men’s team broke their Olympic medal drought with bronze in Tokyo, while the women’s team startled everyone by finishing fourth. During Norman’s tenure as CEO, Hockey India was also able to stage a number of significant competitions. The Federation then hosted the men’s World Cup twice in a row, in 2018 and 2023.
They would also host the Junior Men’s World Cup twice, in 2016 and 2021, as well as other competitions like the FIH Champions Trophy and FIH World League Finals in 2015 and 2017. Norman was also praised by Hockey India for having a significant influence on the women’s team’s qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics, which they accomplished after 36 years.
Role of Mental Health in Sports
The resignation of Hockey India’s CEO due to an alleged suffocating work environment emphasises the crucial relevance of mental health in sports, especially at the top organisational levels. The CEO’s resignation indicates a possibly negative climate at the organization’s senior level. The toxicity might spread, harming athletes, coaches, and support personnel in ways that undermine overall achievement.
Schopman, India women’s hockey coach, broke down during an interaction with reporters.
“I felt alone a lot in the last two years, ” the 46-year-old had said. “It has been very hard. Because, I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here. I look at the difference in how men’s coaches are treated between me and the men’s coach, or the girls and the men’s team, just in general.”
Creating an environment in which mental health concerns may be discussed honestly and without judgment is critical. This helps to normalise asking for assistance when needed. Mental skills training, like physical training, may help players and sports staff at all levels improve their ability to manage pressure, regulate emotions, and cultivate focus. Leaders in sports organisations must demonstrate a commitment to mental health by creating safe spaces, providing assistance, and promoting breaks and relaxation when necessary. Addressing mental health is not just a matter of individual well-being but a key element of team cohesion, performance, and long-term organizational health.