Former India women’s hockey captain Asunta Lakra has accused the state association of dismissing sexual harassment complaints against coach Sudhir Gola and intimidating those who raised concerns for women players’ safety. Lakra revealed that despite ongoing misconduct, players hesitated to come forward due to fear.
Lakra disclosed that the truth emerged following an internal inquiry, where some players finally spoke up while others remained silent out of apprehension. She emphasized having evidence, including audio recordings, to support the allegations made against the coach.
Allegations of inappropriate behavior were reported by players during tournaments and team travels, with incidents mentioned in Visakhapatnam and Rajgir. Lakra also highlighted instances of misconduct at the training center, where senior players were allegedly ignored in favor of junior girls.
Questioning the coach’s behavior, Lakra cited inappropriate conduct during team meetings and defended her decision to address the issue. She expressed concern that many victims are still hesitant to speak out due to fear, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all players.
