Michael Nobbs, Former India Men’s Hockey Coach, Passes Away At 65

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 00:00 IST

Michael Nobbs, former Australian hockey player and ex-India coach, passes away at 72. Remembered for his impact on Australia, India, and Japan hockey.

Michael Nobbs with the Indian men’s hockey team

Former Aussie hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men’s team at the 2012 London Olympics, has passed away after a prolonged illness.

He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife, Lee Capes, a former Aussie women’s international and their daughter Kaitlin, who is a Hockeyroos star.

“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,” said Hockey Australia in a statement.

Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback. He was renowned for his reliability, fitness, and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, Hockey Australia stated on its website in a tribute.

Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

As part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline, and trust earned from teammates and coaches, wrote Hockey Australia.

Nobbs took over coaching the Indian men’s team in 2011 after it couldn’t qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008.

While India excelled in the qualifiers, the side finished last at the London Olympics, which also expedited the Aussie coach’s dismissal.

In addition to India, Nobbs also coached Japan.

(With PTI Inputs)

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