Ex-Indian captain Asunta Lakra is leading a protest against Hockey India officials

Former India captain Asunta leads protest against Hockey India officials NEW DELHI: Former India women’s captain Asunta Lakra, along with a group of former national and international players, including Olympians, staged a symbolic one-day protest against Hockey India general secretary Bholanath Singh and other officials at Gate No. 7 of the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday.The protesters who gathered around 3 pm were also raising their voices against HI CEO Cdr RK Srivastava and Treasurer Sekar J Manoharan. The group demanded the formation of an ad-hoc committee backed by the Sports Ministry to manage the affairs of the federation till the next elections.Asunta told TOI that the protest was initially planned at Jantar Mantar between 2 pm and 4 pm, but permission was denied by the police. The group then gathered at the national stadium. Permission was also not granted to protest at the main gate, after which the protesters moved to Gate No. 7 and staged a token demonstration with placards before dispersing.The stadium complex houses the offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including the Foreigners-I Department, the Accounts General Office (Admn.) and the Border Management Department. Security at the campus is handled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which was cited in connection with the denial of permission to protest inside the campus.Olympians Ashok Kumar, Romeo James, Vineet Kumar and Manohar Topno participated in the demonstration. Romeo James and Vineet Kumar were part of the Indian team at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Asian Games medalist Pramod Batlaw was also present along with former internationals Bimal Lakra, Kanti Baa and Birendra Lakra.Asunta had earlier accused Bholanath Singh of intimidation and harassment after she raised objections to the alleged molestation of young girls in Jharkhand. Following her allegations, the Indian Olympic Committee (IOA) set up a panel of inquiry to look into the matter.The protesting group sought an ad-hoc committee to oversee the federation until the next election. After staging in front of Gate No. 7, the group left the venue peacefully.