Major Sexual Harassment Controversy in Indian Hockey: IOA Sets Up Independent Probe Panel

New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has constituted a four-member independent inquiry committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment and institutional intimidation leveled by former Indian women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra against Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh.

Lakra alleged that when she protested against complaints of sexual harassment of young female players by hockey coach Sudhir Gola in Jharkhand, Bhola Nath Singh intimidated her and attempted to suppress the matter.

Members of the High-Level Inquiry Panel

IOA President P.T. Usha has instructed Hockey India to extend full cooperation and cover all logistical expenses of the committee. The panel comprises:

• Justice (Retd.) Deepa Sharma - Committee Head
• Vandana Rao - Former Olympian
• Mamta Kharab - Former Indian Women's Hockey Captain
• Sitwat Nabi - Senior Advocate

The committee was constituted following directives from the Union Sports Ministry issued in July 2026. Bhola Nath Singh has categorically rejected the allegations as "baseless and politically motivated", while coach Sudhir Gola has also denied the claims, stating he is ready for an impartial probe.