The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has urged Hockey India to investigate allegations of sexual harassment made by former India women’s team captain Asunta Lakra. Lakra accused a coach in Jharkhand of sexually harassing young female players and also claimed that the federation secretary intimidated her. The Ministry has requested Hockey India to present the issues raised by Lakra before the federation’s Internal Complaints Committee.
Asunta Lakra had urged the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to conduct an independent inquiry against Jharkhand coach Sudhir Golla. She also sought an investigation into allegations of intimidation and retaliation against complainants and whistleblowers. Lakra alleged that the state association ignored complaints of sexual harassment against the coach and threatened those who raised concerns about the welfare of women players.
Lakra identified the coach in question as Sudhir Gola, who had been overseeing the Jharkhand training center for the past one to two years. She mentioned that several individuals had previously raised concerns about his behavior. Following an internal inquiry, some players found the courage to speak up, revealing the truth behind the allegations.
Separately, Lakra accused Hockey India secretary general Bholanath Singh of threatening and intimidating her after she raised concerns about the harassment of women players. In written complaints to various authorities, Lakra alleged that those accused of misconduct were being shielded while those highlighting the issue were pressured into silence. However, Bholanath Singh has refuted the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and part of a conspiracy.
