Hockey India launches ethics probe into Asunta Lakra; ex-India captain calls notice ‘intimidation’ Hockey News

KOLKATA: Hockey India’s ethics committee has initiated a fact-finding inquiry into complaints against former India women’s hockey captain and executive committee member Asunta Lakra.A day ago, it was reported that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to set up a neutral, fair and transparent committee to investigate the allegations made by Lakra against Bhola Nath Singh, general secretary of Hockey India and president of Jharkhand Hockey Association, and former coach Sudhir Golla. The ministry also sought clarification from Hockey India.In a letter issued by Justice Raghvendra Kumar, chairman of Hockey India’s ethics committee (retd), Lakra was informed that Jharkhand player Albela Rani Toppo had lodged two complaints with the Hockey India general secretary on April 5 and July 9.“Letter from Vide Hockey India dated July 10, 2026, requesting me to conduct fact-finding inquiry into the allegations leveled against you. Copies of both complaints are hereby forwarded to you and you are directed to submit reply/reply within July 30, 2026,” read the letter, a copy of which is in the possession of TOI.It also states that if no response is received within the stipulated period, “you will be deemed not to have to mount any defense and the fact-finding investigation will be conducted in accordance with established procedures and laws.”Commenting on the development, Lakra said: “I will comply with the instructions of the sports ministry and submit my version to the committee investigating the matter. But issuing this notice at this stage is nothing but an attempt to intimidate me.”Earlier, the ministry had written to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey directing the federation to refer Lakra’s complaint to its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and sought a report on the outcome.Following the communication, Tirkey wrote to the department requesting an independent investigation into Lakra’s allegations and informed Hockey India executive committee members of the situation.Hockey India vice-president Ashima Ali expressed support for Lakra and said she would closely monitor the federation’s handling of the matter.“I will oversee the correct and fair implementation of the Indian Sports Code in hockey… If there is any unfair or unjust practice, I will immediately include it in the petition that I am filing in the Delhi High Court. I also fully support Ms. Assunta Lakla,” Ali wrote in a social media post.Lachla claimed that Singh threatened her after he expressed concerns over the alleged protection provided to Gula by Hockey Jharkhand. She also accused Gola of intimidating female players after sexual harassment allegations against him surfaced. Both Singh and Gula have denied the accusations.