Former India captain and Asian Games medallist Asunta Lakra has accused Hockey India secretary-general Bholanath Singh of threatening and intimidating her for questioning wrongdoings in Jharkhand.
Asunta, who is also currently a Hockey India selector and member of several HI internal committees, has claimed that Bholanath Singh, who is also the president of Hockey Jharkhand, has not only misbehaved with her but also warned her to not step out of line or face consequences.
“Having played for India for 15 years and captained the national team, worked as coach both at state and national level and being in the selection committee, if I don’t raise my voice for the young girls in the sport, what’s the point? But when I see something wrong and argue against it, instead of solving the issue, I am threatened,” an emotional Asunta told The Hindu.
Alleging that the trigger was her complaint against coach Sudhir Golla for sexually exploiting female players, Asunta detailed her experience. “My father had a serious accident two months ago and is unwell even now. On May 9, I got a call from Bholanath Singh. His exact words were ‘Apni aukat me raho, aukat me reh ke baat karo. Warna hame aata hai aukat batana’ (Know your limits, otherwise I can show them to you). To be honest, I was rattled by his threats and given my family situation, I am both disturbed and scared of what might happen,” the former midfielder claimed.
She further alleged that Bholanath had boasted that no one can challenge or remove him from Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey India or even FIH. Interestingly, the annual HI Junior Player of the Year award is also named after her.
Asunta also alleged that Golla, who was removed as coach by the state sports department following complaints, continues to be present at Hockey Jharkhand office claiming he hasn’t received any suspension letter. “Hockey Jharkhand officials have been constantly trying to discredit and threaten me. The incident happened during HIL but the girl in question has been influenced to file a complaint against me instead. Golla, who is not even from Jharkhand, continues stay at the secretary’s house and has been going around warning everyone that he was not going anywhere.
“I have complained to the state sports minister Sudivya Kumar also and given a written complaint to the chief minister’s office as well on June 29. More than 30 national and international players including the likes of Sumrai Tete, Sabitri Purty and Kanti Baa have signed their support (a copy is with The Hindu).
Bholanath, however, dismissed all allegations. “Nothing of that sort has happened, I have no idea why she is saying all this. But I completely deny all of it,” Bholanath said when contacted.
Hockey India vice-president Asima Ali backed the allegations and said she had questioned Bholanath Singh during the last executive board meeting. “There have been several complaints but Bholanath Singh has not informed the EB of any. He has formed an internal committee filled with his supporters, not genuinely qualified people. When I questioned him on his threats to Asunta, he shouted at me as well and misbehaved.
“I have already written to sports secretary about the whole thing. The government should investigate and get into this, things are getting out of hand now. First there were complaints against the national coaches, then HI official Vikram Singh, Sudhir Golla and now this. If nothing happens, I will take legal recourse next,” Asima told The Hindu.
Published – July 09, 2026 08:57 pm IST
