Former Indian captain Asunta Lakra has opened a front against Hockey India. Asunta has written a letter to the Women’s Commission requesting an investigation into the ways in which complaints of sexual harassment are handled in Hockey India and its associated institutions. He has requested the Commission for this change so that the institutional failure in following security measures and procedures can be exposed.
In the letter sent on Sunday, Asunta has also requested to take immediate cognizance of the complaints of sexual harassment, intimidation, misuse of position and insult on the basis of caste of women hockey players of Jharkhand.
Asunta had raised her voice against Sudhir Gola, coach of Ranchi-based Eklavya Hockey Academy, accused of sexual harassment of female players. He had also written a letter to the Sports Ministry accusing Hockey India General Secretary Bholanath Singh of threatening him and requested for immediate intervention. The Sports Ministry has instructed Hockey India to investigate these allegations and share the report.
Asunta said in a letter to the Women’s Commission, ‘The role of Bholanath Singh and other Hockey Jharkhand officials should be investigated, including whether their actions, mistakes or conduct led to suppressing complaints, intimidating complainants or failing to provide protection to the affected women players.’
The letter further reads, ‘Despite five serious complaints of alleged sexual harassment, no effective action has been taken against Hockey India and its associated institutions since January 2025, therefore, taking cognizance of this, the manner in which such complaints were dealt with should be examined to find out whether there was any institutional failure in following the applicable security measures and procedures. Along with this, the role of officials should also be investigated.
Asunta said, ‘When allegations of sexual harassment are made in a sports organization, the absence of a timely, non-discriminatory and independent investigation can create an atmosphere of fear and make players reluctant to come forward. Any attempt to protect the accused or prevent complaints from being properly considered needs to be investigated independently.
He also requested to preserve the necessary evidence and direct their investigation, which includes conversations, call records, CCTV footage, visitor register, academy records, Hockey India and Hockey Jharkhand records, executive board meeting records. The Visitor also requested the Women’s Commission to ensure protection from retaliation or intimidation against female players and those who speak up for them. He also said that the players who complained were from Scheduled Tribes and also accused Sudhir Gola of making derogatory caste remarks.
