Sports ministry directs Hockey India to probe former captain's harassment allegations
The Union sports ministry has asked Hockey India to investigate allegations of intimidation and harassment made by former India captain Asunta Lakra and share the findings with the ministry.
Lakra had written to the sports ministry through an email, seeking urgent intervention over what she described as the institutional protection of sexual harassment, intimidation and victimisation of women athletes in hockey.
In her complaint, Lakra accused Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidating her. She alleged that people accused of misconduct were being protected, while those who raised concerns faced intimidation and retaliation.
"I am directed to forward the email dated 10.07.2026 received from Asunta Lakra, former captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team and a member of the Executive Board of Hockey India. She has requested the constitution of an independent enquiry into allegations of sexual harassment, institutional intimidation, and related issues concerning women athletes," the letter from the ministry official said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
"It is requested that the issues raised in Asunta Lakra's email may be placed before the Internal Complaints Committee (CC) constituted by Hockey India under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, for its consideration and appropriate action, and the outcome of the same may be shared with this Ministry," it further added.
Lakra had written to the sports ministry through an email, seeking urgent intervention over what she described as the institutional protection of sexual harassment, intimidation and victimisation of women athletes in hockey.
In her complaint, Lakra accused Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidating her. She alleged that people accused of misconduct were being protected, while those who raised concerns faced intimidation and retaliation.
"I am directed to forward the email dated 10.07.2026 received from Asunta Lakra, former captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team and a member of the Executive Board of Hockey India. She has requested the constitution of an independent enquiry into allegations of sexual harassment, institutional intimidation, and related issues concerning women athletes," the letter from the ministry official said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
"It is requested that the issues raised in Asunta Lakra's email may be placed before the Internal Complaints Committee (CC) constituted by Hockey India under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, for its consideration and appropriate action, and the outcome of the same may be shared with this Ministry," it further added.
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