Hockey India Removes Coach Sudhir Golla Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations: Report

A shocking case of sexual misconduct has surfaced in the ranks of Hockey India (HI). According to a report by the Tribune, a member of the coaching staff of the Indian U-18 men's team, Sudhir Golla, was asked to leave the premises after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him.

The case is related to a complaint lodged against the coach with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Jharkhand, accusing the coach of dereliction of duty and sexual misconduct at the Centre of Excellence Eklavya Boys and Girls Hockey Training Centre in Morabadi, Ranchi.

What Steps Have Been Taken By Hockey India?

As per the official order, dated May 11, cited by The Tribune, the directorate has removed the coach and assigned a woman coach to take over the coaching duties. This is the fourth such case of sexual harassment in six months within the larger sporting fraternity. Earlier, allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him days before the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 in Santiago, Chile.

Taking cognizance of the matter, Hockey India released a statement on the decision taken on Friday. "Sudhir Golla, who was part of the Indian sub-junior men's hockey team's support staff, has been removed from the coaching camp in Bhopal with immediate effect by HI after it came to the federation's notice that he had been removed from Eklavya Hockey Centre following complaints from players," the federation said, quoted by The Tribune.

"Player safeguarding remains a top priority for us, and we remain committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all athletes," the HI added.

Meanwhile, a source within HI alleged that certain officials had brought disrepute to the federation, adding that the organisation had fallen short on safeguarding issues and that proper inquiries had not been conducted in previous cases. The source further claimed it appeared someone within the federation was attempting to protect those accused of serious wrongdoing.