Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra leads protest against Hockey India officials

Ex-India captain Asunta leads protest against Hockey India officials

NEW DELHI: Former India women’s captain Asunta Lakra, along with a group of former national and international players, including Olympians, staged a symbolic one-day protest against Hockey India secretary general Bholanath Singh and other office-bearers outside Gate No. 7 of the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Friday. The protesters, who had gathered at around 3pm, were also raising their voices against HI Director General Cdr R.K. Srivastava and treasurer Sekar J. Manoharan. The group demanded the formation of a sports ministry-backed ad-hoc committee to run the federation’s affairs until the next election. Asunta told TOI that the protest was initially planned at Jantar Mantar between 2pm and 4pm, but permission was denied by the police. The group subsequently assembled at the national stadium. Permission to protest at the main gate was also not granted, following which the protesters moved to Gate No. 7 and held their symbolic demonstration with placards before dispersing. The stadium complex houses offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including the Foreigners-I Division, Principal Accounts Office (Admn.) and Department of Border Management. Security at the premises is handled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which was cited in connection with the denial of permission for a protest inside the complex. Those attending the demonstration included Olympians Ashok Kumar, Romeo James, Vineet Kumar and Manohar Topno. Romeo James and Vineet Kumar were members of the Indian team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Asian Games medallist Pramod Batlaw, along with former international players Bimal Lakra, Kanti Baa and Birendra Lakra, were also present.

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Asunta has previously accused Bholanath Singh of intimidation and harassment after she raised objections over the alleged harassment of young girls in Jharkhand. Following her allegations, the Indian Olympic Committee (IOA) constituted a probe panel to look into the matter. The protesting group sought an ad-hoc committee to oversee the federation until the next elections. After staging the demonstration outside Gate No. 7, the group left the venue peacefully.

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