2 min readJul 16, 2026 11:13 PM IST The sports ministry on Thursday directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute an independent inquiry panel to probe former India hockey captain Asunta Lakra’s allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation. This comes after Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said an internal probe could raise “concerns regarding impartiality”. Lakra, who is also a Hockey India executive board member and national selector, had sought the ministry’s urgent intervention, alleging institutional protection of sexual harassment, intimidation and victimisation of women athletes within Indian hockey. She had also accused Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidating her. The ministry’s action came after Tirkey wrote to them, requesting for the formation of an independent committee to examine the allegations. In an email sent on Wednesday, he said an inquiry by Hockey India’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) might not be seen as impartial because the allegations involve office-bearers of the federation. “Hockey India treats the allegations with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to the safety, dignity and protection of …