Asian Games hockey official Gurinder Sangha leaves Japan amid sexual misconduct complaints | Asian Games 2026 News
Kolkata: Gurinder Singh Sangha, a Jalandhar-based international hockey umpire and technical official who was appointed by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) as umpire manager for the hockey competition at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, has left Japan before the tournament concluded following multiple complaints of alleged sexual misconduct against him.Sources alleged that Sangha misbehaved with a female hockey official from Malaysia.Asian Games Full Coverage | Schedule | Medal Tally“On the pretext of mentoring and teaching her, he allegedly tried to hug her on multiple occasions and also kissed her. Following the incident, she complained to the Malaysian umpire manager,” a source familiar with the development said.Multiple sources also alleged that Sangha behaved inappropriately with a member of the hotel staff and showed her obscene videos in his room. However, TOI could not independently verify the allegation.The latest complaint is not the first allegation made against Sangha. During the Hockey India League in Ranchi in January 2025, umpire Yogita Pasi filed a formal complaint against him while he was serving as Umpires’ Manager. Hockey India subsequently confirmed receipt of the complaint and constituted a three-member committee to conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter.According to the complaint, Pasi alleged that Sangha’s conduct during an interaction at the team hotel in Ranchi on January 20, 2025, was “unwanted and inappropriate” and left her uncomfortable. She urged Hockey India to take action and ensure a safe and respectful working environment for women officials.In a communication dated January 21, 2025, HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh informed stakeholders that a three-member panel had been constituted in consultation with the federation’s Internal Complaint Committee for Prevention of Sexual Harassment to carry out a preliminary investigation and submit its report within two days.The outcome of that inquiry could not be immediately ascertained. However, official documents show that the complaint was formally received by Hockey India and referred for investigation.The latest episode comes amid increased scrutiny of misconduct complaints within Indian hockey. Earlier this year, Hockey India removed a support staff member from a national camp after harassment allegations surfaced against him, stating that action was taken immediately after the matter came to its notice.The federation has also grappled with other complaints in recent times, including an April 2026 complaint alleging sexual harassment and abuse of authority by a Hockey India official, and a 2025 case involving a junior women’s team coach.During the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League, a coach was removed overnight after authorities were informed of harassment complaints involving younger players.
