Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has called on the Sports Ministry to urgently address what she describes as the institutional protection of sexual harassment, intimidation, and victimisation of female athletes in hockey. The national federation has denied the allegations.
Lakra's Letter to Sports Authorities
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, and TOPS officials, Lakra alleged that individuals accused of misconduct are being shielded while those raising concerns face intimidation and retaliation.
“I write to you not merely as a former captain of the Indian Women’ 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,” Lakra wrote.
“For over a decade, I had the privilege of wearing the India jersey. Throughout my career, I believed that the greatest responsibility of a senior player is not only to win medals but also to protect the next generation.”
Allegations Against Sudhir Gola
Lakra brought to the attention of the Government of Jharkhand allegations of sexual harassment by Sudhir Gola at the Eklavya Hockey Academy in Ranchi. She claimed that after raising the issue, she faced threats and a smear campaign.
“Instead of protecting those who raised concerns, the machinery of intimidation was set in motion against me. This is not merely about one individual accused of misconduct. It is about those in positions of authority who allegedly enable, shield, reward and protect such individuals,” she wrote.
“Even after allegations became public and he (Gola) was suspended by the Government of Jharkhand, he entered the academy hostel, assembled young women players, and intimidated them into withdrawing their complaints.”
“Equally disturbing was the attempt to discredit me through a false and orchestrated smear campaign after I raised these issues.”
Threats from Hockey India Secretary General
Lakra, who captained India during the 2012 Olympic Qualification Tournament in New Delhi, accused Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh of threatening her over the issue.
“Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh threatened me and told me to ‘stay within my limits’ during a phone call. He also claimed that no one could remove him — neither Hockey Jharkhand nor Hockey India,” Lakra told PTI.
“If I don’t speak up for women athletes, the situation will remain unchanged, yet I am receiving threats for taking a stand. My husband was also threatened. Gola had boasted that in Jharkhand, one can commit murder or rape and still secure a job...”
Bholanath Singh dismissed the allegations as election-related theatrics ahead of the upcoming Hockey Jharkhand polls, scheduled for July 19. “I never threatened anyone, nor did I witness any such thing. There is a calculated conspiracy to defame us ahead of the Hockey India elections,” he said.
Lakra Rejects Election Link
Lakra rejected suggestions that her allegations were linked to the polls. “We were never informed about the election. We only found out about it later. I am not in the fray but we want the reins of hockey to be in the hands of hockey players,” she said.
“I just request the authorities to save our game. Such treatment with players must stop. Are players, who sweat blood for the country, meant only for photo ops?”
Lakra also alleged that Hockey Jharkhand was being run by people with little connection to the sport. “Wrestlers are running Jharkhand Hockey. The current general secretary used to work as a caterer during my playing days.”
Singh rejected that charge and pointed to the association’s record under his leadership. “I have been the president (Hockey Jharkhand) since 2014 and the development is there to see. Asunta has been working with us for long,” Singh said when asked if Hockey Jharkhand was being run by wrestlers.
On allegations that Lakra had been shouted at during the Hockey India Special General Body Meeting, Singh said, “You can ask the people who were present there.”
Hockey India President's Response
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said that Asunta is one of the treasures of Indian Hockey and he would try to resolve the matter amicably.
“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 Gola, and we swiftly removed him from the Under-18 National Team,” Tirkey told PTI.
“Sudhir Gola is not associated with SAI or Hockey India, and the Jharkhand Government should take appropriate action against him as per the prevailing laws. I believe they will do so.”
“Regarding the allegations against Bholanath Ji, 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 ensuring the same,” he said.
