The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has criticised Hockey India (HI) for failing to release funds to its independent inquiry committee investigating allegations of harassment and intimidation against the federation's Secretary General Bholanath Singh.

The IOA described the delay as "unacceptable", warning that the committee's functioning has been affected despite being constituted nearly two months ago.

The four-member panel, headed by retired High Court judge Justice Deepa Sharma, was established to investigate allegations levelled against Bholanath by former India women's hockey captain and administrator Asunta Lakra. However, the committee is yet to begin its proceedings due to the pending financial arrangements.

In an email to Hockey India office-bearers, IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer urged the federation to release the necessary funds immediately to facilitate an independent and timely investigation.

"...the IOA takes serious note of Hockey India's failure to provide the requisite financial assistance, which has consequently impeded the functioning of the Inquiry Committee.

"Such inaction is unacceptable, particularly given the importance of ensuring a timely and independent inquiry into the allegations," Iyer wrote.

Bholanath Singh Raises Conflict Of Interest Concern

The IOA's intervention followed repeated reminders from Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey regarding the pending payment. Responding to the requests, Bholanath maintained that he should not sign the cheque because the allegations under investigation were directed against him.

"There seems no impediment in release of the amount to the committee. As some false allegations are alleged against me in the circumstances as there is direct conflict of interest in the matter. Therefore, I should not sign the cheque for the committee as this would not be appropriate in the fairness of the enquiry committee," Bholanath wrote.

Asunta Lakra's Allegations Against Bholanath Singh

The inquiry committee was established following a directive from the Sports Ministry. Besides Justice Deepa Sharma, its members include former track-and-field athlete Vandana Rao, former India women's hockey captain Mamta Kharb and lawyer Sitwat Nabi.

Hockey India has been instructed to cover all expenses associated with the investigation, including professional fees, honorarium, travel, accommodation and other incidental costs. Lakra, who is also a member of Hockey India's executive board, accused Bholanath of threatening and harassing her after she raised concerns about the alleged sexual harassment of young girls in Jharkhand by local coach Sudhir Golla.

Story first published: Friday, November 13, 2026, 15:50 [IST]

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