IOA forms panel to probe Hockey India allegations

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has finally constituted a four-member independent committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and institutional intimidation levelled against Hockey India (HI) secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh.

Former India women’s hockey captain Asunta Lakra had accused Singh of threatening her after she raised objections to the alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand by hockey coach Sudhir Golla.

In a letter to Hockey India, IOA president PT Usha directed the federation to extend full cooperation to the committee and bear its expenses, including travel, accommodation and honorarium for its members.

The four-member panel comprises Justice (Retd) Deepa Sharma, Vandana Rao, former India women’s hockey captain Mamta Kharab and advocate Sitwat Nabi.

“Hockey India is requested to make the requisite payments towards honorarium and other expenses of the chairperson and members of the committee, including their travel, accommodation and other incidental expenses incurred in connection with the work of the committee,” Usha said in the letter.

“HI is also requested to extend its full cooperation to the committee and to ensure that all relevant records, documents, information and such other assistance as may be required are made available to the committee in a timely manner,” the letter added.

Meanwhile, the Indian men’s hockey team will return to its traditional blue jerseys at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. HI president Dilip Tirkey said the team would once again play in blue, with saffron designated as the alternate strip. “We will play in blue. I have already approved the kit,” Tirkey said.