Indian hockey umpire Gurinder Singh Sangha sent home from Asian Games after sexual harassment complaint

Indian hockey umpire and technical official Gurinder Singh Sangha has been sent home from the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, after a sexual harassment complaint, a Hockey India source told PTI in a report published on October 2, 2026. "Yes, Sangha has been sent back home after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him by a female official from Malaysia that is what we know. He has gone back two days ago," the Hockey India official said.

The umpires and technical officials for hockey at the Asian Games are appointed by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), Hockey India and an Indian Olympic Association official told reporters. The IOA official said, "IOA and HI have got nothing to do with it, it's AHF who appoints umpires and technical officials in Asian Games."

Hockey India has said the complaint in Nagoya arose from alleged misconduct toward a female Malaysian hockey official and a hotel staff member, and that there were multiple complaints lodged against Sangha during his stay. A well-placed Hockey India source communicated those details to PTI from Nagoya.

Hockey India has indicated it will await a detailed report from the AHF before deciding on any domestic action and has warned of firm disciplinary measures if the AHF report is adverse. "Definitely, we will take strict action against him if the AHF gives an adverse report. There is no question about it. He will not be spared if he is guilty," the Hockey India official said.

The Sangha matter follows a previous allegation in 2025 during the Hockey India League in Ranchi, when a female umpire lodged a complaint against him and Hockey India formed a three-member inquiry committee. "Yes we did form a committee and investigated that matter but the inquiry committee didn't find any substantial evidence," the Hockey India official said regarding the 2025 inquiry.

AHF officials in Nagoya declined to comment when contacted, and Hockey India has previously taken action this year over separate harassment allegations by removing a member of the support staff with the national women's team. The federation confirmed the recent sending-home of Sangha but has deferred further comment pending the AHF's investigation.

Hockey India says it will review the AHF's detailed report and then determine any disciplinary steps against Sangha; the AHF-appointed officials' findings will therefore dictate the next formal action.