Hockey Umpire Gurinder Singh Sangha Sent Home From Asian Games After Sexual Misconduct Complaints

The Indian hockey contingent has been hit by a controversy away from the field at the Asian Games 2026, with umpire and technical official Gurinder Singh Sangha sent back from Japan following complaints of alleged sexual misconduct during the Games.

According to a Hockey India source cited by PTI, Sangha allegedly misbehaved with a female hockey official from Malaysia and a hotel staff member during his stay in Nagoya. The allegations have not been independently established, and Sangha has denied the accusations, according to reports.

"Yes, Sangha has been sent back home after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him by a female official from Malaysia; that is what we know. He went back two days ago," the Hockey India official told PTI from Nagoya.

Sangha's return from the Games comes while the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), which appoints the umpires and technical officials for the Asian Games hockey competition, is expected to examine the complaints. Hockey India has indicated that any further action will depend on the AHF's detailed report.

Asked whether Hockey India would initiate action after the Games, the official said to PTI, "Definitely, we will take strict action against him if the AHF gives an adverse report. There is no question about it. He will not be spared if he is guilty."

The episode is not the first complaint involving Sangha. During the 2025 Hockey India League in Ranchi, a female umpire had filed a complaint against him. Hockey India subsequently constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. The federation said that inquiry did not find substantial evidence against him.

"Yes we did form a committee and investigated that matter but the inquiry committee didn't find any substantial evidence," the Hockey India official was further quoted.

AHF officials in Nagoya declined to comment on the matter. Sangha has disputed the current allegations, according to a report by The Indian Express, which said he described them as character assassination and attributed his early departure to family circumstances. The controversy comes after Hockey India earlier this year removed a member of the national women's team's support staff following harassment allegations, adding another misconduct-related episode to Indian hockey's recent scrutiny.