Sports Ministry Orders IOA to Form Independent Panel on Hockey Sexual Harassment Claims
The Union Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute an independent inquiry panel to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation made by former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra.
The directive was issued on Thursday after Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey wrote to the ministry, expressing concerns that an internal probe might lack impartiality. Lakra, who currently serves as a Hockey India executive board member and national selector, had earlier sought the ministry's intervention, alleging institutional protection of sexual harassment and victimisation of women athletes in Indian hockey.
In her complaint, Lakra specifically accused Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidating her. The ministry's move comes as a response to Tirkey's request for an independent committee to examine the allegations, citing potential bias in any internal investigation.
The IOA has been asked to form a panel that will look into the matter and submit its findings. This development marks a significant step in addressing concerns about the handling of sexual harassment cases within sports bodies in India.
