Australian points to hostile working environment as the reason for her resignation
BENGALURU: In an Olympic year, when the focus should be on the Indian men's hockey team's preparations for Paris - the women have failed to qualify - off-field theatrics in Hockey India (HI) has taken centrestage.
Close on the heels of senior women's team coach Janneke Schopman's resignation, the federation's long-serving CEO Elena Norman has put in her papers. The resignation brings the curtains down on the Australian's 13-year tenure as the first CEO of HI.
The 49-year-old moved to India in 2007 and worked on the 2010 FIH World Cup as part of a marketing solutions agency. A trusted aide of former FIH and HI president Narinder Batra, Elena wielded extensive power in the federation. She brought about a method to the madness in the federation and was instrumental in putting processes in place as India subsequently hosted a clutch of FIH events, including two consecutive men's World Cups (2018 & 2023), the Junior World Cup (2016 & 2021), Champions Trophy and Olympic Qualifiers for both men and women.
While Elena brought in professionalism in running of the sport, which was earlier unheard of here, her work culture was questioned. She was often accused of being temperamental.
Elena's resignation does not come as a surprise, since the writing was on the wall since mid-2022 following the exit of Batra as FIH president, and former international Aslam Sher Khan taking a legal recourse on many counts, including the dual role of Elena as CEO and life member of the HI executive body. A verdict in this case being heard in Delhi High Court is expected on March 3.
Last year, Elena, one of the highest paid professionals in an Indian sports federation, was asked to take a massive pay cut. It is learnt she refused to sign on the new contract owing to fresh terms and conditions. Her three-month salary arrears were cleared only last week.
Elena pointed towards a hostile working environment as the reason for her resignation.
"Parting ways is always bitter-sweet. I feel, mentally and physically this is the right time for me to part-ways with Hockey India. The last 18 months have been the hardest of my tenure. Not everyone uses you to your full potential and not being able to function properly was a hindrance," she told TOI.
She said the controversies surrounding the women's team and the exit of the Dutch chief coach was the last straw.
"(Look at) what's happened with the women's hockey and coach in the last couple of months. Hockey India had a real opportunity to say they will back women's hockey after the setback. But they didn't. It could have really shown the true character of Hockey India - supporting the team when it was down. Situations were not handled well and my opinion was not taken either," she said.
On her biggest takeaway from the job, she said: "Proud to have contributed to the development of hockey in India. When I came here, I knew I could make a difference and I have. That's my biggest takeaway."
It is learnt that HI president Dilip Tirkey tried to persuade Elena to take back her resignation but she did not relent. "I want to formally acknowledge and extend my sincere gratitude for her remarkable contributions over the last 12-13 years. Her dedication and efforts played a pivotal role in propelling Hockey India and Indian hockey to a commendable position," Tirkey said in a statement.
