Controversy Strikes Indian Hockey: Umpire Gurinder Singh Sangha Sent Home Amid Misconduct Allegations

Gurinder Singh Sangha Faces Serious Allegations

New Delhi: In a significant setback for Indian hockey, umpire and technical official Gurinder Singh Sangha has been sent back from the Asian Games in Japan following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to a reliable source from Hockey India, Sangha reportedly misbehaved with a female hockey official from Malaysia and a hotel employee during his time in Nagoya.

"Yes, Sangha has returned home after a sexual harassment complaint was lodged against him by a female official from Malaysia. He left two days ago," the Hockey India official stated from Nagoya.

When asked if Hockey India would take any action against Sangha post-Games, the official mentioned that they would proceed based on a comprehensive report from the Asian Hockey Federation.

"Certainly, we will enforce strict measures if the AHF provides a negative report. There is no doubt about it. If he is found guilty, he will face consequences," the official affirmed.

The Asian Hockey Federation is responsible for appointing umpires and technical officials for hockey events at the Asian Games.

This is not the first instance of such allegations against Sangha. In 2025, during the Hockey India League in Ranchi, a female umpire had also filed a complaint against him, prompting Hockey India to form a three-member committee for investigation.

However, the committee reportedly found no substantial evidence against Sangha during their inquiry.

"Yes, we did establish a committee and looked into that matter, but the inquiry did not yield any significant proof," the official explained.

An official from the Indian Olympic Association clarified that this incident does not involve the IOA or Hockey India, as the AHF is responsible for appointing officials.

"The IOA and Hockey India are not involved; it is the AHF that appoints umpires and technical officials for the Asian Games," the IOA official stated.

AHF officials in Nagoya declined to comment when approached.

The situation surrounding Sangha adds to a series of misconduct complaints in Indian hockey, as earlier this year, Hockey India dismissed a member of the support staff from the national women's team following harassment allegations.