Asunta Lakra alleges threat by Hockey India secretary, Bhola Nath Singh denies

Former India women's hockey captain and current national selector Asunta Lakra has alleged that Hockey India secretary general and Hockey Jharkhand president Bhola Nath Singh warned her to "stay within her limits" after she questioned whether former coach Sudhir Golla was receiving protection from state hockey officials, per a report by Uthra Ganesan of Sportstar.

Lakra has submitted a written complaint to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the state's Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Art & Culture. The complaint, signed by 31 current and former national and international hockey players, alleges that Golla sexually harassed players, used casteist slurs and continued to receive support from officials within Hockey Jharkhand.

According to the complaint, individuals who raised concerns over the issue were allegedly threatened and warned against speaking out.

Singh rejects allegations

Speaking to The Times of India, Lakra claimed Singh called her on May 9 after she began questioning the handling of the allegations. She alleged that he told her to "stay within her limits" and claimed that no one could remove him from Hockey India or the international body.

Singh denied the allegations, saying there was no truth to Lakra's claims. He told The Times of India that he had known Lakra since 2014 and had no reason to threaten her.

Lakra also alleged that complaints were later filed against her after she raised concerns about the issue. She maintained that she had served as a selector for 13 years without facing any complaints and claimed she had previously helped one of the complainants secure opportunities with the national team.

Hockey India vice-president Asima Ali has publicly backed Lakra, alleging that Singh had also spoken to her in an inappropriate manner during an Executive Board meeting.

Ali further questioned Hockey India's handling of complaints, stating that serious allegations should have been placed before the Executive Board for an independent inquiry. She warned that she would approach the courts if the federation failed to take appropriate action.

The controveisy comes as Hockey India continues to face scrutiny over allegations of harassment and governance issues involving its officials and coaches.