Stunned by the growing number of sexual harassment cases amongst support staff and officials, Hockey India President and former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey has requested an Executive Board meeting to discuss all the issues.He has asked Director General Cdr RK Srivastava to convene the meeting to “review all reported cases, strengthening POSH compliance, protection of complainants, and above all accountability and zero tolerance policy”.Last week, HI removed Sudhir Golla, who was part of the coaching staff with the U-18 men’s team, over allegations including sexual misconduct and dereliction of duty. Golla’s was the fourth such case in six months where the body failed to act in time. Last year in November, the junior women’s hockey coach’s contract was not renewed after similar allegations surfaced against him days before the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.In December 2025, the coach of the senior women’s hockey team, Harendra Singh, resigned under a cloud after senior members of the team sent a signed letter to the ministry, again citing him for misconduct. In April this year, a HI staff member was accused of sexual harassment towards women officials and coaches.In a letter addressed to all EB members, Tirkey said that such cases are tarnishing the image of the body as well as its sponsors.“Over the last six months, our sport has faced a series of deeply damaging media reports. Most concerning are at least five publicly reported cases involving sexual harassment, misconduct, ethical violations, and disciplinary failures. These incidents are seriously harming the reputation of Hockey India, Indian Hockey, our sponsors, and Hockey India League franchises,” Tirkey wrote on Tuesday.“Every case relating to sexual harassment must be dealt with institutionally and strictly in accordance with the POSH Act, 2013. As the governing body of India’s most successful Olympic sport, Hockey India has a duty to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and athlete welfare,” he added.‘Safeguard complainants’Addressing the members, the HI president all touched upon the difficulty faced by complainants, who choose not to report, fearing retribution.“We must adopt a firm zero-tolerance approach towards sexual harassment, abuse of authority, intimidation, ethical misconduct, or any attempt to suppress complaints. Strong disciplinary action, including life bans where warranted, should be considered after due process is completed,” Tirkey wrote on Tuesday.”Several women umpires have privately confirmed concerns relating to some of the reported matters. However, many are reluctant to come forward formally due to fear of reprisal, victimisation, or loss of privacy. This itself reflects a serious institutional concern. Hockey India must ensure that every athlete, coach, and official feels safe to report misconduct without fear,” he added.