Ranchi, July 10: Former India women’s hockey captain Asunta Lakra has sought the intervention of the Union Sports Ministry over alleged sexual harassment, intimidation and harassment of female hockey players, accusing authorities of protecting the accused while targeting those who raise complaints.
In a letter addressed to the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha and officials of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Lakra called for immediate action to ensure the safety and dignity of women athletes.
Lakra alleged that she informed the Jharkhand government about complaints of sexual harassment against Sudhir Gola at the Eklavya Hockey Academy in Ranchi, but subsequently became the target of threats, intimidation and a smear campaign.
She further claimed that despite being suspended by the Jharkhand government, Gola visited the academy hostel and allegedly pressured players to withdraw their complaints. Lakra also alleged that Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh threatened her over the phone and that similar threats were extended to her husband.
“Our sport needs to be saved. Stop treating our players like this. After toiling hard for our country, are we just waiting to hear these threats? Are players just for photo shoots?” Lakra said.
Rejecting suggestions that her allegations were linked to the upcoming Hockey Jharkhand elections on July 19, Lakra said she was not contesting the polls and had no political motive.
“We never knew about the elections. We learned about them later, but we want hockey to be in the hands of hockey players,” she said.
She also criticised the functioning of Hockey Jharkhand, alleging that the organisation was being run by people with little connection to the sport.
“Jharkhand hockey is being run by wrestlers. The current general secretary used to work as a caterer when I was playing,” Lakra alleged.
Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“I have not threatened or neglected anyone. Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey India elections are coming, and this is a deliberate conspiracy to defame us,” Singh said.
Defending his tenure, Singh added, “I have been the president of Hockey Jharkhand since 2014, and there is no need to explain the development there. You can see for yourself. Asunta has also been working with me at Hockey Jharkhand since 2014.”
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey described Lakra as “one of the treasures of Indian hockey” and said the organisation would seek an amicable resolution after speaking to both parties.
“Asunta Lakra is one of the treasures of Indian hockey. She did a great job by exposing a bad incident involving Jharkhand hockey,” Tirkey said.
He said the Jharkhand government had already initiated action against Sudhir Gola and Hockey India had immediately removed him from the Under-18 national team.
“Sudhir Gola is not associated with SAI or Hockey India and the Jharkhand government should take appropriate action against him as per the existing laws,” Tirkey said.
Assuring that player welfare remained paramount, he added, “I will speak to both parties and hope the matter will be resolved amicably. The dignity and respect of women is our priority.”
The controversy comes ahead of the Hockey Jharkhand elections scheduled for July 19, with both sides denying any political motivation behind their respective positions while reiterating their commitment to the welfare of hockey players.
