Junior women’s hockey coach accused of sexual harassment; Sports Minister orders probe

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – A coach associated with the Indian junior women's hockey team has been accused of sexual harassment, sparking serious controversy. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has taken immediate notice and ordered an investigation into the matter.

This move comes at a time when the Indian junior team is set to leave for Santiago, Chile in a few days to participate in the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup.

According to sources, the allegations surfaced during

one of the junior team's overseas tours, either to Argentina, Belgium, and the Netherlands in June or to Australia in September. During that period, a player was reportedly seen visiting the coach's room several times, sparking suspicion and complaints.

Although no official complaint has been lodged with the Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India (SAI) or Hockey India so far, the ministry has initiated action considering the preliminary information as serious.