Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Indian Hockey Official Sent Home After Asian Games Complaint
Gurinder Singh Sangha was sent home from the Asian Games in Japan.
A Malaysian hockey official complained that he allegedly touched her inappropriately.
A source also said there was unwanted physical contact.
Sangha was separately accused of behaving improperly toward a hotel worker.
These are allegations, and the reports do not describe a final finding that he was guilty.
Hockey India said it would review a report from the Asian Hockey Federation.
It said strict action could follow if the report is adverse.
An earlier complaint in 2025 was investigated, but Hockey India said that inquiry found no substantial evidence.
Gurinder Singh Sangha was sent home from the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, after a Malaysian female hockey official complained of alleged sexual misconduct.
A source alleged inappropriate touching and non-consensual physical contact under the pretext of mentoring.
Sangha was also accused of misbehaving with female hotel staff after calling them to his room.
Hockey India said it would consider strict action after receiving a detailed Asian Hockey Federation report.
A three-member Hockey India inquiry into a separate 2025 Hockey India League complaint reportedly found no substantial evidence.
- Who
- Gurinder Singh Sangha, a Malaysian female hockey official, hotel staff, Hockey India, and the Asian Hockey Federation.
- What
- Sangha was sent home after complaints alleging sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior during the Asian Games.
- When
- During the Asian Games in 2026; a separate complaint was investigated during the 2025 Hockey India League.
- Where
- Nagoya, Japan; the earlier complaint was made during the Hockey India League in Ranchi.
- Why
- He was sent back after a Malaysian official’s complaint and other allegations of misconduct.
Accountability for alleged misconduct
Due process and institutional responsibility
Response to the current complaint
Accountability for alleged misconduct
The allegations led to Sangha being sent home, and Hockey India said he would not be spared if the Asian Hockey Federation finds him guilty.
Due process and institutional responsibility
The reports present allegations and a pending report, not a final determination of guilt; Sangha could not be reached for comment.
Responsibility for appointments
Accountability for alleged misconduct
Hockey India said it would consider action after receiving the Asian Hockey Federation’s report.
Due process and institutional responsibility
An Indian Olympic Association official said the Asian Hockey Federation, rather than the Indian Olympic Association or Hockey India, appoints Asian Games hockey umpires and technical officials.
Earlier complaint
Accountability for alleged misconduct
The current allegations followed a separate complaint against Sangha during the 2025 Hockey India League.
Due process and institutional responsibility
Hockey India said its three-member inquiry into that earlier complaint found no substantial evidence.
- Official involved
- Gurinder Singh Sangha, an Indian hockey umpire and technical official
- Event
- Asian Games 2026 hockey competition
- Location
- Nagoya, Japan
- Reported complainants
- A Malaysian female hockey official and a hotel staffer
- Allegations
- Inappropriate touching, non-consensual physical contact, and alleged misbehavior with hotel staff
- Potential action
- Hockey India said it may take strict action if the Asian Hockey Federation issues an adverse report
- Earlier inquiry
- A three-member Hockey India committee reportedly found no substantial evidence in a 2025 complaint
