The allegations of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation and institutional protection for the accused within Hockey India (HI) have gone beyond the federation’s internal purview. The sports ministry, recognising the seriousness of the matter, has now directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to look into it.“The sports ministry has asked the IOA to form a neutral, fair and transparent committee to probe the allegations made by the ex India captain Asunta Lakra. The ministry has also sought a clarification from Hockey India on the same,” sources in the ministry confirmed.Asunta had written to the ministry seeking an impartial probe against HI secretary general Bholanath Singh, fearing bias if the matter was handled by the federation through its internal process. The ministry’s decision follows a similar request by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey himself to the ministry on Wednesday. He also informed the HI EB of the same.“Since both the complainant and the respondent are members of the Executive Board, it would not be appropriate for Hockey India to conduct its own inquiry as this may give rise to concerns regarding impartiality. Accordingly, I have requested the sports secretary to constitute an independent committee... Hockey India will extend its full cooperation,” Tirkey wrote informing the HI EB.Meanwhile, a group of 13 national and international players from Jharkhand have also legally challenged Hockey Jharkhand elections, officially scheduled for July 19, with all posts including that of Bholanath as president being filled unanimously. The group, including the likes of Manohar Topno and Sumrai Tete, have accused Bholanath of continuing illegally for a fourth term and flouting rules under the National Sports Governance Act. Published - July 16, 2026 05:49 pm IST