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.

Hockey Jharkhand continued its dominance at the grassroots level by clinching the 16th Hockey India sub-junior women’s National championship, marking a third consecutive title (2024, 2025, 2026) and reinforcing its status as one of the strongest junior setups in the country.

Jharkhand has seen significant development in hockey infrastructure, particularly in the construction of astroturfs between 2014 and 2026. 

This infrastructure growth has played a crucial role in nurturing hockey talent across the State. Over the last 16 years, Jharkhand’s structured youth development system has translated into success, particularly in the women’s categories. 

The State has secured an impressive 34 medals in women’s competitions alone, including 10 gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze medals.

Jharkhand’s junior women’s team has amassed 14 medals (five gold, five silver, four bronze), while the sub-junior women’s team has claimed 12 (four gold, five silver, three bronze), including the recent three-peat. 

At the senior level, Jharkhand women have also made their mark, winning eight medals (one gold, one silver, six bronze), including most recent title triumph in 2025.

Simdega district in Jharkhand, particularly, has turned into a nursery of Indian women’s hockey in recent years. The sub-junior national championship saw strong representation from Simdega with the team featuring Sandeepa Kumari, Pushpa Manjhi, Preeti Biluung, Regina Kullu, Saniya Tirkey, and Nipunata Kullu.

Over the decade from 2016 to 2026, Simdega has consistently produced top talent for the Indian women’s Team across senior and junior levels. Notable players who have represented India include current Indian captain Salima Tete, Sangita Kumari, Beauty Dungdung, Deepika Soreng, Mahima Tete, Ropni Kumari, Rajni Kerketta, Nisha Minj, Neeru Kullu, Alka Dungdung, Alpha Kerketta, Sushma Kumari, Sweety Dungdung, and Anjana Dungdung, who was part of the Senior A team for the China tour.

While the women’s programme has been the standout, Hockey Jharkhand has also recorded success on the men’s side, with four medals (one gold, two silver, one Bronze) in the sub-junior men’s National championships.