Independent Committee Formed to Investigate Allegations Against Hockey India Secretary

The Indian Olympic Association has initiated an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh. Former women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has accused Singh of intimidation after she raised concerns about the harassment of young players. The committee, which includes notable figures from the sports community, is tasked with examining these serious claims. Additionally, the Indian hockey team will revert to its traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games, following criticism over a previous color change. This article delves into the details of the investigation and the team's return to its iconic colors.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 9, 2026, 00:19 IST

Formation of the Committee

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

Asunta Lakra, a former captain of the Indian women's hockey team, has accused Singh of making threats after she raised concerns about the alleged sexual harassment of young female players in Jharkhand by coach Sudhir Golla.

PT Usha, the president of the IOA, has sent a letter to HI requesting that the federation fully cooperate with the committee and cover its expenses, including travel and accommodation.

Committee Members and Responsibilities

The committee comprises Justice (retd) Deepa Sharma, Vandana Rao, former women's hockey captain Mamta Kharab, and lawyer Sitwat Nabi.

In her correspondence, the IOA president emphasized that Hockey India must handle the payments for the committee members' honorarium and other related costs, including travel and accommodation.

She also urged HI to provide complete cooperation and ensure that all necessary records and information are made available promptly to facilitate the committee's work.

Background of the Allegations

In July, the sports ministry directed the IOA to set up an independent committee to look into the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation. Lakra has claimed that Singh threatened her for speaking out about the harassment of girls by coach Sudhir Golla.

HI president Dilip Tirkey has also called for an independent investigation into the matter.

Return to Traditional Colors

In a related development, the Indian hockey team will return to its traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. HI president Tirkey confirmed that the team will don blue, with saffron as the alternate color.

Tirkey stated, "We will play in blue. There is no confusion. I have already approved the kit," during the send-off ceremony for the Indian contingent in New Delhi.

The federation faced significant backlash after it switched the team's colors from blue to saffron during the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, which sparked political controversy as opposition parties accused the government of imposing its political agenda on sports.