BHUBANESWAR: If India is doing well in hockey nowadays, some amount of credit should go to a woman, and that too a foreigner. Elena Norman, the petite Australian CEO of Hockey India, has been instrumental in the country achieving success both at home and abroad. Norman, who is working diligently for the successful hosting of the Men’s Champions Trophy at Kalinga Stadium and is said to be receiving a monthly salary of `2 lakh, spoke to TNIE after the unveiling of the trophy ceremony. Exerpts:
On how she manages the daily affairs of Hockey India
We have a team, comprising staff members of Hockey India. It’s a professional team trying its best to render its best services. As the CEO, I am coordinating the daily business of the national body.
On how much freedom she gets
In Hockey India all the staff members, including me, have been working to help the country regain its past glory. There has been no pressure and interference.
On how much profit Hockey India will make by staging the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar
Odisha Government has been very kind in providing beautiful infrastructure. We hope to make some profit. But Hockey India has always invested the revenue for the development of the sport in the country and will do so if it generates some profit.
On whether Kalinga Stadium can stage the 2018 World Cup
It’s a huge event and needs vast infrastructure. There will be 16 teams, their families, friends and fans in Bhubaneswar. We need more star hotels, better transportation and infrastructure facility to make it feasible.