Dilip Tirkey files Delhi Police complaint amid Hockey India leadership dispute

Hockey India president and former India captain Dilip Tirkey lodged a complaint with Delhi Police, reported on September 25, 2026, accusing some federation officials of "criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and wrongful abandonment." The complaint requests immediate recovery of his assets and documents.

The office of DCP, South Delhi confirmed receipt of the complaint but said no FIR has been lodged as yet. Tirkey's filing names Cdr R K Srivastava, the former Executive Director of Hockey India who was removed by Tirkey following the saffron jersey fiasco during the recent FIH World Cup, HI Finance Manager Subodh Kumar, HI Director Bhushan Kumar and the vehicle driver Harminder Singh.

Sources told reporters that Tirkey was on an official visit to the national capital on September 22 and, as per protocol, Hockey India provided him an official vehicle during his stay. The vehicle was abruptly recalled by the federation without returning Tirkey's personal belongings, including a bag containing his essential medicines, which were lying inside. Tirkey made repeated calls to HI officials requesting the vehicle be sent back with his things; it is alleged those calls were not answered.

Repeated calls to Tirkey on the development went unanswered.

Tirkey is engaged in a turf battle with HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh over administrative decisions and meeting protocols. The dispute intensified after a controversial change of jersey colour for the Indian team just before the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, which Tirkey says was done without his consent.

An emergent Executive Board meeting was scheduled for September 18 to address internal conflicts, to discuss restructuring the Hockey India League and to finalise election dates, but Tirkey said the meeting did not have his sanction and was therefore illegal. The meeting proceeded and discussed plans for the HIL, including formation of a separate joint venture company with franchise equity and a new Governing Council to oversee its administration.

The Executive Board also deliberated on the show-cause notice Tirkey had issued to Srivastava and on hosting the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in Mohali and Jalandhar. When contacted, Bhola Nath denied being aware of the complaint filed by Tirkey as he is in Nagoya for the Asian Games. "I am really not aware about such a thing. I am in Japan to inspire our sides so that they directly qualify for the LA Olympics by winning gold at the Asian Games," Bhola Nath told PTI from Nagoya. "As far as the election is concerned, it will be held on November 7 as decided," he asserted.