New Delhi: In a major embarrassment for the Indian sporting contingent, veteran hockey umpire and technical official Gurinder Singh Sangha has been sent back from the 2026 Asian Games in Japan following multiple complaints of alleged sexual misconduct. Sangha, who was serving in Nagoya under an appointment by the Asian Hockey Federation, departed the host nation two days ago after official complaints were formally lodged against him.
A senior Hockey India official confirmed that Sangha faced serious grievances, including separate allegations involving a female technical official from Malaysia and a local hotel staffer in Nagoya. The Malaysian official reportedly accused him of inappropriate physical contact under the pretext of technical guidance. Following the lodging of these complaints, organizers moved swiftly to withdraw him from his duties and facilitate his immediate departure from the tournament.
Addressing the disciplinary aspect, a Hockey India source stated that the national federation will wait for a comprehensive inquiry report from the Asian Hockey Federation before determining subsequent action. The federation confirmed that stringent measures would follow if the continental body presents an adverse report, stressing that no leniency would be shown if the allegations are substantiated. Meanwhile, an Indian Olympic Association representative noted that neither the IOA nor Hockey India manages technical appointments at the continental event, as all umpires and managers are assigned directly by the AHF. Asian Hockey Federation officials present in Nagoya declined to issue an immediate public comment.
The incident is not the first time Sangha has faced scrutiny over workplace conduct. During the 2025 Hockey India League in Ranchi, a female domestic umpire filed a complaint against him, prompting the formation of a three-member investigation committee. While federation sources maintained that the panel found no substantial proof at the time, his assignment to a major international event has revived criticism regarding oversight. The development marks another sensitive administrative crisis for Indian hockey, following the removal of a women’s national team support staff member earlier this year over harassment allegations.
