Investigation Reveals Harassment Claims Ignored by Jharkhand State Association

Ranchi, July 10 – An internal probe into the Jharkhand women’s hockey programme has uncovered that serious harassment allegations were brushed aside by the state association. The investigation was triggered after former captain Asunta Lakra stepped forward with detailed accusations against coach Sudhir Gola.

Lakra said Gola, a Telengana‑born coach, was tasked with managing the Jharkhand training centre for the past one to two years. She and her husband worked in the same environment, observing several instances of the coach’s misconduct.

According to the report, a few players finally spoke up when the committee began questioning them, but many stayed silent because of fear of being threatened. Lakra claims to have retained audio recordings of conversations that confirm the coach’s inappropriate behaviour, including a moment when he placed his hand on a junior defender’s shoulder during a meeting.

The former captain also alleged that Hockey India’s Secretary General Bholenath Singh tried to intimidate officials who raised the issue. Lakra has submitted written complaints to the Jharkhand sports minister, the chief minister, the Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association and Hockey India, urging an independent review.

Sudhir Gola has denied all charges, calling them fabricated and part of a conspiracy. The investigation remains open as authorities consider the evidence presented.