Sports ministry asks Hockey India to investigate former captain Asanta Lakra’s complaints against Bora, Gora Hockey News

KOLKATA: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has asked Hockey India to refer former India women’s hockey captain and executive committee member Asunta Lakra’s complaint of sexual harassment, intimidation and retaliation to the federation’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and conduct an independent investigation.The directive comes just days after Lakra wrote to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and TOPS officials seeking an independent inquiry into what she called “institutional protections for sexual harassment” and the victimization of female athletes.In a July 13 letter to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, an Indian government executive forwarded Lakra’s July 10 email and requested a review of the allegations under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.“I am directed to forward an email dated July 10, 2026, received by Ms. Assunta Lacra… requesting an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, institutional intimidation and related issues regarding female athletes,” the letter reads.The ministry further requested that the issues raised by Lakra be referred to HI’s ICC for “consideration and appropriate action” and requested that the outcome of the proceedings be shared with the ministry.Reacting to the development, a source from Hockey India told TOI: “We have been informed by the ministry and will take all necessary steps as per the government’s directives.”Lakla claimed in her email that HI general secretary and Jharkhand Hockey Chairman Bhola Nath Singh threatened her to speak out after informing the Jharkhand government about sexual harassment allegations against former Eklavia Hockey Center coach Sudhir Golla.She also seeks an independent investigation into what she calls institutional protections provided to individuals accused of sexual harassment and retaliation against those who raise such concerns.The department’s intervention comes as HI has been grappling with multiple allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving its coaches and officials.Earlier this year, allegations surfaced against a senior HI official who was accused of soliciting sexual favors from female referees in exchange for international assignments. During the Hockey India League 2025, a coach was asked to leave the event over alleged inappropriate behavior involving female players. Former India women’s team head coach Harendra Singh and a youth team coach were also sacked following separate complaints.Last week, Lakra told TOI that Singh warned her to “stay within her limits” after questioning the alleged protection provided to Gula by the Jharkhand Hockey Club. She also submitted a letter signed by 31 national and international hockey players to the Jharkhand Sports, Youth Affairs, Arts and Culture Minister, accusing Gulla of sexually harassing players, using caste discrimination and being protected by senior hockey officials in Jharkhand.When TOI contacted Singh earlier, he denied Lakra’s allegations. “Why would I threaten her? I’ve known her since 2014. These are false and baseless,” he said. Gora also denied all the accusations against him, calling them “baseless” and demanding an impartial investigation.