Sports Ministry Reacts After Ex-Hockey Captain Alleges Intimidation And Sexual Harassment
Former captain's allegations trigger official response and scrutiny.
The Union Sports Ministry has directed Hockey India to investigate allegations of intimidation, sexual harassment and institutional victimisation raised by former Indian women’s hockey team captain Asunta Lakra. The ministry has asked the national federation to place the matter before its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and share the findings with the government after the inquiry is completed.
Lakra, a former India captain and current member of Hockey India’s Executive Board, had written to the Sports Ministry seeking urgent intervention. In her email, she alleged that individuals accused of misconduct were being protected within the organisation, while those raising complaints were subjected to intimidation and retaliation. She also accused Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidating her after she spoke out on issues concerning women athletes.
In its communication to Hockey India, the Sports Ministry requested that Lakra’s allegations be examined by the Internal Complaints Committee constituted under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The ministry directed the federation to take appropriate action based on the committee’s findings and submit the outcome of the inquiry. However, no timeline has been specified for completing the investigation.
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Lakra’s complaint comes in the backdrop of allegations against hockey coach Sudhir Gola, who was accused of sexually harassing female players at the Eklavya Hockey Academy in Ranchi. Gola was subsequently dismissed from his position following the allegations. Lakra has maintained that the matter requires an impartial investigation and stronger institutional safeguards for women athletes.
She also claimed that 31 hockey players from Jharkhand, including national and international players, had submitted a written complaint against Bhola Nath Singh to the state government. According to Lakra, the concerns raised by the players reflect wider issues related to the treatment of women athletes and the handling of complaints within the sport.
The former captain has urged authorities to ensure an independent and transparent inquiry into all allegations while strengthening mechanisms to protect athletes who report misconduct. She has also called for measures to prevent any form of retaliation or intimidation against complainants, saying a safe and accountable sporting environment is essential for the growth of women's hockey in India.
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