Archive · 10 Sep 2026
IOA forms panel to probe Lakra’s harassment allegations
The Indian Olympic Association has created a committee to investigate a complaint by former hockey captain Asunta Lakra.
Lakra says Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh threatened and harassed her.
She says this happened after she raised concerns about alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand.
A retired High Court judge, Deepa Sharma, will lead the committee.
Three other people, including former athletes and a lawyer, will help with the investigation.
Hockey India must provide documents and other assistance.
It must also pay the committee’s travel, accommodation and other costs.
Separately, Hockey India had investigated Lakra after she was accused of threatening a young player.
The Indian Olympic Association has formed a four-member committee to investigate Asunta Lakra’s allegations against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh.
Retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma will head the independent panel.
The committee includes Vandana Rao, Mamta Kharb and lawyer Sitwat Nabi.
Lakra alleged that Singh threatened and harassed her after she objected to alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand.
Hockey India was directed to cooperate with the inquiry and cover the committee’s expenses.
- Who
- The Indian Olympic Association, Asunta Lakra, Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh and a four-member inquiry committee.
- What
- The IOA formed an independent committee to investigate Lakra’s allegations of harassment and intimidation against Singh.
- When
- The timing is not specified; the committee was formed following a directive from the Sports Ministry.
- Where
- The allegations concern events involving Jharkhand, while the inquiry was constituted by the IOA in New Delhi.
- Why
- The committee was formed to examine Lakra’s allegations and was directed to do so by the Sports Ministry.
Lakra’s allegations
Hockey India’s response and actions
Harassment and intimidation claim
Lakra’s allegations
Asunta Lakra accused Bhola Nath Singh of threatening and harassing her after she objected to alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand.
Hockey India’s response and actions
The allegations will be examined by the independent committee; the article does not report Singh’s response to the accusations.
Dispute involving Lakra
Lakra’s allegations
Lakra raised concerns about alleged sexual harassment involving local coach Sudhir Golla and girls in Jharkhand.
Hockey India’s response and actions
Hockey India’s ethics committee issued Lakra a show-cause notice and opened an inquiry after she was accused of threatening young player Albela Rani Toppo.
- Inquiry body
- Indian Olympic Association
- Committee size
- Four members
- Committee chair
- Retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma
- Committee members
- Vandana Rao, Mamta Kharb and lawyer Sitwat Nabi
- Complainant
- Former women’s hockey team captain Asunta Lakra
- Accused
- Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh
- Expenses and cooperation
- Hockey India must cover honorarium, travel, accommodation and incidental costs, and provide requested documents and assistance