Sports Ministry directs Hockey India to probe allegations of harassment and intimidation

The Sports Ministry has taken cognisance of complaints against Hockey India (HI) officials and directed the federation, through president Dilip Tirkey, to investigate the allegations.

“It is requested that the issues raised in Ms. Asunta Lakra’s email may be placed before the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) constituted by HI 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,” read the communication.

Former India captain and HI executive board member Asunta had accused the federation secretary Bholanath Singh of institutional intimidation and protection of those accused of sexual harassment and sought the ministry’s intervention. She had also urged the Sports Authority of India to constitute an independent enquiry against Jharkhand coach Sudhir Golla. She also demanded a probe into allegations of intimidation and retaliation against complainants and whistleblowers, that administrators enabled, protected or shielded individuals facing complaints and whether existing safeguard mechanisms functioned effectively.

While Hockey India has been battling allegations of misconduct for a while now, this is the first time the government has formally issued a directive, indicating the seriousness of the situation. The previous cases were either summarily dismissed or the accused cleared of charges by its ICC.