The mess in Hockey India keeps getting worse.

On Tuesday, Secretary General (SG) Bholanath Singh reiterated that the Executive Board (EB) was the only forum to resolve all governance issues and sought a meeting to resolve matters.

“For the past few days, mails from you have raised different issues. It is, therefore, requested that all issues may be compiled and put before the EB.

“It is reiterated that the EB is the only competent body to resolve this. Please convene an Emergent EB meeting at the earliest,” Bholanath wrote to HI president Dilip Tirkey.

Bholanath has also asked Director General (DG) Cdr. R.K. Srivastava for an explanation on how the media got wind of HI’s internal mails.

“It has come to my notice that the contents of the mail sent by Dilip Tirkey has found place in the media… you are requested to investigate the matter. Questions regarding the jersey issue will only be discussed in the HI EB meeting,” he wrote.

No action

This development comes on a day Srivastava failed to provide documentary evidence, despite a strongly worded reminder from Tirkey, for the decision to change the jersey colour.

Following up on her accusations of threats and intimidation by Hockey India secretary Bholanath Singh, former India captain Asunta Lakra has urged the Sports Ministry to intervene against the “institutional protection of sexual harassment, intimidation and victimisation of women athletes in hockey”, even as federation president Dilip Tirkey assured to look into the matter.

Writing to the ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha, among others, Asunta alleged that individuals accused of misconduct were being protected while those raising concerns were threatened.

“I write to you not merely as a former captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, a member of the Executive Board of Hockey India and a selector but as an Indian woman who chose to speak up when young female athletes were being sexually harassed,” wrote Asunta.

“Throughout my career, I believed the greatest responsibility of a senior player is not only to win medals but also to protect the next generation… I brought to the attention of the Jharkhand government allegations against Sudhir Golla… what followed has shaken my faith in the system. The machinery of intimidation was set in motion against me,” she alleged.

Tirkey assured he would talk to both parties to resolve the matter. “Asunta Lakra is one of the treasures of Indian hockey. She has done a great service to the sport by bringing to light an unfortunate incident related to Jharkhand hockey. The Jharkhand government has taken action against Sudhir Golla, and we removed him from the Under-18 national team.

“Regarding allegations against Bholanath, I will speak to both parties and hope that the matter is resolved amicably. The dignity and respect of women is our top priority and Hockey India remains fully committed to the same,” Tirkey said.