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Asunta Lakra has written a letter urging the Sports Ministry to intervene against alleged sexual harassment and intimidation of women athletes in hockey.
Asunta Lakra (left) and Bhola Nath Singh (AFP/ANI)
Former India women’s hockey captain Asunta Lakra has appealed to the Union Sports Ministry to step in over what she alleged was the institutional shielding of sexual harassment, intimidation and victimisation of women athletes within Indian hockey.
The allegations have been denied by the national federation.
Lakra has written a letter to the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and officials associated with the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), claiming that individuals accused of misconduct were being protected while those who raised complaints faced intimidation and retaliation.
“I write to you not merely as a former captain of the Indian Women’ Hockey Team, a member of the Executive Board of Hockey India, and a selector, but as an Indian woman who chose to speak up when young female athletes were being sexually harassed,” wrote Lakra.
“For over a decade, I had the privilege of wearing the India jersey. Throughout my career, I believed that the greatest responsibility of a senior player is not only to win medals but also to protect the next generation. It is in that spirit that I brought to the attention of the Government of Jharkhand allegations of sexual harassment by Mr. Sudhir Gola at the Eklavya Hockey Academy in Ranchi. What followed has shaken my faith in the system.”
Lakra, who represented India at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games and featured in two Asia Cups, alleged that speaking out on the matter led to threats and an organised campaign against her.
“Instead of protecting those who raised concerns, the machinery of intimidation was set in motion against me. This is not merely about one individual accused of misconduct. It is about those in positions of authority who allegedly enable, shield, reward, and protect such individuals,” she wrote in the letter.
“Even after allegations became public and he (Gola) was suspended by the Government of Jharkhand, he entered the academy hostel, assembled young women players, and intimidated them into withdrawing their complaints. Equally disturbing was the attempt to discredit me through a false and orchestrated smear campaign after I raised these issues.”
Lakra, who captained India during the 2012 Olympic Qualification Tournament in New Delhi, also alleged that Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh threatened her after she raised the issue.
“Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh threatened me and told me to ‘stay within my limits’ during a phone call. He also claimed that no one could remove him — neither Hockey Jharkhand nor Hockey India,” Lakra told news agency PTI.
“If I don’t speak up for women athletes, the situation will remain unchanged, yet I am receiving threats for taking a stand. My husband was also threatened. Gola had boasted that in Jharkhand, one can commit murder or rape and still secure a job…,” she added.
Bholanath has denied threatening Lakra and described the claims as politically motivated ahead of the Hockey Jharkhand elections.
“I never threatened anyone, nor did I witness any such thing. There is a calculated conspiracy to defame us ahead of the Hockey India elections,” he said.
Elections to Hockey Jharkhand are scheduled for July 19.
Lakra, however, rejected any suggestion that the timing of her allegations was linked to the polls.
“We were never informed about the election. We only found out about it later. I am not in the fray but we want the reins of hockey to be in the hands of hockey players,” she said.
“I just request the authorities to save our game. Such treatment with players must stop. Are players, who sweat blood for the country, meant only for photo ops?”
Lakra further alleged that Hockey Jharkhand was being administered by individuals with little background in the sport.
“Wrestlers are running Jharkhand Hockey. The current general secretary used to work as a caterer during my playing days.”
Singh rejected that allegation and defended the functioning of the state association under his tenure.
“I have been the president (Hockey Jharkhand) since 2014 and the development is there to see. Asunta has been working with us for long,” Singh said when asked if Hockey Jharkhand was being run by wrestlers.
Asked about Lakra’s allegation that she had been shouted at during a Hockey India General Body Meeting, Singh said, “You can ask the people who were present there.”
With PTI Inputs
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
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