Ranchi, July 14: The Union Sports Ministry has directed Hockey India to initiate an inquiry into allegations of intimidation, sexual harassment and institutional victimisation raised by former India women’s hockey captain Asunta Lakra, asking the national federation to place the matter before its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and submit the findings to the ministry.
In an official communication to Hockey India, the ministry referred Lakra’s July 10, 2026 email seeking an independent inquiry into what she described as institutional protection of sexual harassment and intimidation of women athletes.
“She has requested the constitution of an independent enquiry into allegations of sexual harassment, institutional intimidation, and related issues concerning women athletes,” the ministry said in its letter.
The ministry directed Hockey India to have the matter examined by its Internal Complaints Committee constituted under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
“It is requested that the issues raised in Ms Asunta Lakra’s email may be placed before the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) constituted by Hockey India… for its consideration and appropriate action,” the letter said, adding, “The outcome of the same may be shared with this Ministry.”
No timeline has been prescribed for completing the inquiry.
Lakra, a former India captain and a member of Hockey India’s Executive Board, has alleged that women athletes who report misconduct face intimidation and retaliation, while those accused of wrongdoing receive institutional protection.
She specifically accused Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidating her after she supported action against coach Sudhir Gola, who was accused of sexually harassing female players at the Eklavya Hockey Academy in Ranchi and was subsequently dismissed.
Lakra also claimed that 31 players from Jharkhand, including national and international hockey players, have submitted a written complaint against Bhola Nath Singh to the Jharkhand government.
Seeking an impartial investigation, Lakra called for stronger institutional safeguards to ensure the safety of women athletes and protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
“Women athletes must have complete confidence that when they report sexual harassment, they will be protected, not threatened; heard, not silenced; supported, and not subjected to retaliation,” she said.
She further asserted that “those who report misconduct in good faith must never become targets of intimidation or defamation” and urged authorities to ensure that no individual is above accountability while safeguarding the dignity and safety of women athletes.
The Sports Ministry’s directive is expected to trigger Hockey India’s formal internal mechanism to examine the allegations and report its findings to the Centre.
