Asian Games: Indian hockey official Gurinder Sangha sent home over sexual harassment claims

An Indian hockey official has been sent home from the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, following multiple complaints of sexual misconduct.

Gurinder Singh Sangha, an international umpire and technical official from Jalandhar, was serving as the umpire manager for the tournament. He left Japan and returned to India before the hockey competition concluded, after complaints were raised by a female official and a member of hotel staff.

A Hockey India official confirmed that Sangha was sent back. "Yes, Sangha has been sent back home after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him by a female official from Malaysia," the official said, adding that he had departed Nagoya.

The allegations in Japan

The complaints involve separate incidents during his stay in Nagoya.

The first involves a female hockey official from Malaysia. Sources familiar with the matter said Sangha allegedly used the pretext of mentoring and teaching her to hug her on multiple occasions and kiss her. The official subsequently reported the behaviour to the Malaysian umpire manager.

Separately, sources alleged that Sangha behaved inappropriately with a member of staff at his hotel, which included showing her obscene videos in his room.

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), which is responsible for appointing umpires and technical officials at the Asian Games, has refused to comment on the matter.

Prior complaints and investigations

This is not the first time Sangha has faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

In January 2025, during the Hockey India League in Ranchi, a female umpire, Yogita Pasi, lodged a formal complaint against him while he was serving as the umpires' manager. Pasi alleged that Sangha's conduct during an interaction at the team hotel was "unwanted and inappropriate" and left her feeling uncomfortable.

At the time, Hockey India set up a three-member committee alongside its internal complaints committee to investigate. However, a Hockey India official said the inquiry did not find "substantial evidence" against him.

What happens next

Because the Asian Games officials are appointed directly by the AHF, rather than national bodies, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Hockey India have distanced themselves from the immediate decision to send him home.

However, Hockey India has stated it will review the situation once the tournament concludes.

"We will take strict action against him if the AHF gives an adverse report," the Hockey India official said. "There is no question about it. He will not be spared if he is guilty."

The incident comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the treatment of women within Indian hockey. Earlier this year, Hockey India removed a support staff member from the national women's team camp following harassment allegations. The federation also faced similar complaints in 2025 involving a junior women's team coach.