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New Delhi: Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs who served as head coach of the Indian mens team at the 2012 London Olympics has passed away at 72 due to prolonged illness. Nobbs is survived by his wife Lee Capes a former Australian womens international and their daughter Kaitlin who currently represents Australia as a Hockeyroos player. Hockey Australia extended its deepest condolence to Michaels family Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michaels 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 Hockey Australia said in a statement. Nobbs represented Australia as a defender operating both in the half-back line and at fullback and was known for his consistency fitness and professionalism. Between 1979 and 1985 he earned 76 international caps and scored one goal playing during one of the most successful periods in Australian mens hockey according to Hockey Australia. He was also a key member of the Australian squads that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Nobbs was appointed as Indian mens team head coach in 2011 Nobbs was appointed as Indian mens team head coach in 2011 after the Men in Blue failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coachs sacking. Nobbs not only coached the India mens hocked team but also coached Japan.