Melbourne, Jan 29: Former Australian hockey player and respected coach Michael Nobbs, who guided the Indian men’s team at the 2012 London Olympics, passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.
He was 72.
Nobbs is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women’s international, and daughter Kaitlin, a current Hockeyroos star.
Paying tribute, Hockey Australia said Nobbs would be remembered as “a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport.” The governing body extended condolences to his family, friends, former teammates and players whose careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey.
A dependable defender, Nobbs represented Australia across the half-back line and at fullback, earning 76 international caps between 1979 and 1985. Known for his fitness, discipline and professionalism, he was part of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey. He featured in the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the Los Angeles Olympics, consistently holding his place through hard work and the trust of teammates and coaches.
Nobbs took charge of the India men’s national hockey team in 2011, stepping in after India failed to qualify for the Beijing Games. While India impressed in the Olympic qualifiers, the team finished last at the London Olympics, a result that led to his departure. Beyond India, Nobbs also contributed to the game as a coach in Japan, leaving behind a legacy that spanned continents and generations.