Asian Games 2026: Indian hockey referee sent home after sexual harassment complaint

In a major embarrassment for India, hockey referee and technical official Gurinder Singh Sangha has been sent back from the Asian Games in Japan following numerous complaints of alleged sexual misconduct during the mega event.

A well-placed source in Hockey India told PTI that Sangha allegedly misbehaved with a female hockey official from Malaysia and a hotel employee during his stay in Nagoya.

“Yes, Sangha was sent back home after a female official from Malaysia filed a sexual harassment complaint against him, that’s what we know. He returned two days ago,” an HI official from Nagoya told PTI.

When asked if HI would initiate any action against the Sangh after the games, the official said they would do the needful after receiving a detailed report from the Asian Hockey Federation.

“We will definitely take strict action against him if AHF files an adverse report. There is no doubt about it. He will not be spared if he is found guilty,” the official said.

Referees and technical officials for hockey events at the Asian Games are appointed by the AHF.

This is not the first time such a complaint has been filed against the Sangh.

In 2025, during the Hockey India League in Ranchi, the referee filed a complaint against him. Subsequently, HI formed a three-member commission to investigate the allegations.

But an HI official said the committee did not find any substantial evidence against the Sangh during its investigation.

“Yes, we formed a committee and investigated the matter, but the inquiry committee did not find any substantial evidence,” he said.

An Indian Olympic Association official said the incident has nothing to do with the IOA and HI as it is the AHF that appoints the officials.

“The IOA and HI have nothing to do with this, it is the AHF that appoints the referees and technical officials at the Asian Games,” an IOA official said.

AHF officials in Nagoya declined to comment when contacted.

The Sangha episode is the latest complaint of misconduct involving Indian hockey since HI earlier this year removed a member of the women’s national team support staff after allegations of harassment were leveled against him.

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