The Union Sports Ministry has reportedly initiated a probe into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a coach attached to the Indian junior women’s hockey programme. The inquiry comes at a sensitive time, with the team preparing to leave for Santiago, Chile, for the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup starting December 1.
According to a report by The Tribune, people familiar with the situation said the concerns first emerged after the squad returned from its overseas exposure tours earlier this year. The junior team travelled to Argentina, Belgium and the Netherlands in June, followed by another tour to Australia in September. During one of these trips, a woman player was allegedly seen visiting the coach’s room on several occasions, prompting unease within the contingent.
Despite the internal chatter, no official complaint has so far reached the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India or Hockey India (HI). Even so, the matter has reportedly been circulating informally within the hockey community, especially in the weeks following the centenary celebrations of Indian hockey.
Sources said the information was eventually relayed to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who directed officials to conduct an inquiry.
A ministry source said they intend to verify all details before drawing any conclusions, adding that the department treats cases of this nature with “zero tolerance” and will act firmly if any misconduct is established.
As mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, the identities of the coach, the player and any potential complainant are being kept confidential.
Senior figures at Hockey India were reportedly unaware of the matter when approached. Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said HI had not received any communication regarding the allegations.
This is the first time I am hearing of such an issue. I cannot comment on something that has not been brought before Hockey India,” Bhola Nath Singh said
“We will wait for the ministry report, although they (ministry officials) are yet to reach out to us on this sensitive issue,” he added.
He noted that the federation can comment only once it has official information and will review the ministry’s findings when they are shared.
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