Australia’s Elena Norman appointed as Hockey India’s CEO – Hockey News
Hockey India (HI) has confirmed its foreign marketing consultant Elena Norman as the new Chief Executive Officer on May 10.
It is the first time ever that this Indian body will be headed by an Australian CEO.
Norman started her authorities since last week while her appointment was officially stated in the HI meeting with the President of International Hockey Federation (FIH) Leandro Negre, which was held in New Delhi.
The Australian had served as FIH’s marketing consultant in the 2010 World Cup that was held in New Delhi. Prior to this assignment, she had been working with HI at the same post.
According to one of HI’s top officials, “For the past few months she has been doing her homework, studying the scenario for development of hockey in the country. One thing that worries her is the uncertainty on the part of the sports ministry for recognising
Hockey India.”
Moreover, some other source stated the fact that the incumbent was suitable for the job because of her expertise and determination towards work despite challenging circumstances, with complete knowledge of the game.
Before joining hands with the HI, she had been working for a Delhi-based sports management firm. Another announcement is expected to be made soon regarding three major club and international level tournaments that will be hosted in India, which are being
planned by the FIH President.
Meanwhile, a former Indian skipper, Viren Rasquinha has announced the recurrence of a National tournament named the All-India Aga Khan Hockey Tournament.
The disputable Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) had previously declared the tournament as an unauthorised event. However, Viren believes that the players should not be made to suffer in the conflict between the two hockey bodies concurrently operating in India.
The tournament has been taken up by Bombay Gymkhana that is recognised by HI. The club’s President Ashok Rao said that the club does not want to play politics but are willing to conduct the tournament. Moreover, the club joined hands with HI because it selects
the Indian team and is recognised by the FIH.
Viren believed that the reason behind the IHF declaring Aga Khan as unauthorised was due to the affiliation of club with the HI.
Another announcement made by the former player was that the team Air-India will not be part of the event.
He added that playing on grass and on Astro-turf are two different things, but it is strange that players fail to adapt to the surface for playing the game. Viren said that he himself has grown up playing the game on grass and so did many other Indian players.
The city of Mumbai has very few hockey tournaments and it is better to play on grass than not to play at all.
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