Last Updated:
Hockey India is considering lifetime bans after multiple sexual harassment and misconduct allegations rocked the sport, forcing urgent calls for reform.
Hockey Representational Image. (AFP Photo)
Hockey India (HI) is preparing for a massive internal crackdown.
After months of controversy, repeated allegations, and mounting criticism, the federation is set to convene an urgent executive board meeting to discuss strict disciplinary measures — including potential lifetime bans — over a string of sexual harassment, misconduct, intimidation and ethical violation cases that have shaken Indian hockey.
The federation’s president, Dilip Tirkey, made the organisation’s stance crystal clear in an email sent to board members, calling for a “zero tolerance” approach toward abuse of power and harassment.
“Over the last six months, our sport has faced a series of deeply damaging media reports,” Tirkey wrote in the email, a copy of which is with PTI.
“Every case relating to sexual harassment must be dealt with institutionally and strictly in accordance with the POSH Act, 2013.”
The emergency meeting is expected to address multiple areas, including strengthening POSH compliance, improving reporting systems, protecting whistleblowers and complainants, and fixing accountability for officials or bodies found negligent or complicit.
Tirkey also warned that merely reacting case-by-case would no longer be enough.
“We must adopt a firm zero tolerance approach towards sexual harassment, abuse of authority, intimidation, ethical misconduct, or any attempt to suppress complaints. Strong disciplinary action including life bans where warranted should be considered,” he added.
The latest controversy involves coach and support staff member Sudhir Golla, who was removed from the ongoing India U-18 boys’ national camp in Bhopal after allegations of misconduct surfaced against him. The move came shortly after the Jharkhand government removed him from his role at the Eklavya Hockey Training Centre in Ranchi over allegations of inappropriate behaviour with female trainees and unauthorised absence from duty.
But the concerns appear to run far deeper.
Tirkey revealed that several women umpires had privately acknowledged troubling incidents but were hesitant to formally complain due to fears of retaliation and victimisation.
“Hockey India must ensure that every athlete, coach and official feels safe to report misconduct without fear,” he wrote.
A female executive board member, speaking anonymously, backed the proposed action and called it “much needed.”
“People cannot get away with harassment and then threaten or coerce players, officials or umpires into silence,” she said.
Tirkey also stressed that the repeated scandals are damaging both the federation’s credibility and Indian hockey’s wider image.
“The issue goes beyond individual cases. It concerns the credibility, culture and future of Hockey India,” he concluded.
(with PTI inputs)
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
