Daijiworld Media Network - Sydney
Sydney, Jan 29: Michael Nobbs, former Australian hockey international and ex-head coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, passed away on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 72.
Nobbs took charge of the Indian team in 2011, at a time when Indian hockey was navigating one of its most difficult phases, having failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Under his leadership, India showed renewed competitiveness in the Olympic qualifiers and successfully booked a berth for the 2012 London Games.
While India’s campaign at the London Olympics ended in disappointment with a last-place finish — a result that eventually led to his exit — Nobbs’ tenure from June 2011 to July 2013 is remembered for laying important groundwork during a period of transition. He focused heavily on fitness, structure, and professional discipline, helping rebuild standards within the squad at a time when confidence was low.
Beyond his stint with India, Nobbs also served as head coach of the Japanese men’s hockey team, further underlining his international coaching footprint.
Paying tribute, Hockey Australia described him as a figure whose influence extended well beyond the field. “Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players, and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey.
He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport,” the organisation said in a statement.
As a player, Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, earning 76 international caps between 1979 and 1985 and scoring once. Renowned for his consistency and tireless work ethic, he was part of a successful era in Australian men’s hockey. He featured in the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, both landmark events in his playing career.
Michael Nobbs is survived by his wife Lee Capes, herself a former Australian women’s hockey international, and their daughter Kaitlin, who currently represents Australia’s women’s national hockey team, continuing the family’s strong legacy in the sport.