Hockey India removes U-18 team staffer following sexual misconduct allegations: Report

Hockey India has dismissed support staff member Sudhir Golla from the Under-18 boys camp in Bhopal on Friday, following allegations of misconduct and neglect of duty. Golla had been serving as the assistant coach in the programme preparing for an International bilateral series in Australia, but has now been ousted from the camp.

HI's stringent action came after the Jharkhand government relieved Coach Golla from his responsibilities at the Eklavya Hockey Training Centre in Ranchi, following an assessment of similar allegations and complaints.

"The moment we learned about the harassment allegations, he was removed from the camp immediately. In Hockey India, we always take complaints of misconduct with utmost seriousness," a Hockey India official told TOI.

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Hockey coach sacked following harassment allegations

The decision came after several complaints had been raised regarding Golla’s alleged inappropriate behaviour towards female trainees, along with prolonged absence from the Ranchi training centre without approval, which disrupted sessions.

The Director of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs issued an order relieving him of his duties at the Ranchi centre.

"He has remained continuously absent from training duties and behaved inappropriately with girl trainees. In the past too, several verbal complaints had been received against Golla," the order stated, as quoted in the report.

Broader concerns surround Hockey India

Coach Golla's removal adds up to the challenges Hockey India has faced in recent weeks. The chaotic contractual situation involving PR Sreejesh raised questions about the federation's administrative decisions, with his controversial exit as the junior head coach and the swift appointment of an overseas successor.

The Indian hockey legend called out the federation on social media, leading to intense criticism.

Such incidents have placed Hockey India’s accountability under scrutiny, particularly at the grassroots level, and raised concerns about the future direction of the sport in the country.