Hockey India’s long-time serving CEO for 13 years, Elena Norman, has decided to resign from her post, on Tuesday, just three days after women’s team coach Janneke Schopman’s exit. In the past few months, Elena cited intimidation at the work and difficult work environment in the federation.

Earlier Schopman had termed Norman as one of the two supportive figures as she lashed out at Hockey India alleging discrimination days before her resignation.

Padma Dilip Tirkey acknowledges Elena Norman’s legacy at Hockey India

Accepting the resignation of Norman, HI President Dilip Tirkey expressed his gratitude towards Norman and acknowledged her for the contributions she has made to the sport in the country.

“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 endeavors,” read the statement from Tirkey.

Elena joined Hockey India in 2011, three after the administrative body came into existence. The CEO spearheaded the launch of Hockey India Coaches Education Pathway, which equipped domestic coaches with global standards of coaching practices along with various initiatives for the Indian Technical and Match Officials.

During her time at HI, Norman oversaw tremendous success for both the men’s and women’s teams. Both sides secured their best world rankings during Norman’s tenure and also had unprecedented success in the Tokyo Olympics.

The men’s team ended their medal drought at the Olympics with Bronze in Tokyo, while the women’s side stunned everyone to secure a fourth-place finish.

Hockey India was also able to host some of the major tournaments during Norman’s time as the CEO of the organization. The Federation went on to host two consecutive editions of the men’s World Cups in 2018 and 2023.

They would also go on to host two editions of the Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021 and other tournaments like the FIH Champions Trophy, and FIH World League Finals in 2015 and 2017. Hockey India also credited Norman for playing a big role in the women’s team’s 2016 Rio Olympics qualification, a feat they had achieved after 36 years.

Also Read: Hanuma Vihari vs ACA: All you need to know about cricketer’s allegations