HI seeks time to respond to Sardar Singh allegations

Hockey India (HI) on Wednesday sought 10 weeks’ time to respond to the Delhi Commission for Women’s notice on the allegations of sexual harassment against Sardar Singh, but firmly threw its weight behind the Indian captain by questioning the complainant’s 'belated' charges.

Sardar Singh will be busy participating in a six-nation tournament and the Rio Olympics in the interim.

Hockey India (HI) on Wednesday sought 10 weeks’ time to respond to the Delhi Commission for Women’s notice on the allegations of sexual harassment against Sardar Singh, but firmly threw its weight behind the Indian captain by questioning the complainant’s 'belated' charges.

In a letter to DCW Chairperson Swati Mahliwal, HI said since the national team has a six-nation Tournament followed by the Olympic Games, it would be able to send a comprehensive response on the matter only after August 23. “We shall provide you with a detailed response once the team is back from Brazil and after ascertaining and verifying all the facts as stated by you in your notice dates June 14, 2016,” HI said.

“It is obvious that the complaint has been filed at a belated stage. Therefore we would like to verify all the facts and only after the verification will be able to respond to the notice issued by you,” it added.

The woman, in her complaint, has alleged that Sardar physically abused her after promising to marry her. Sardar, on his part, has denied the allegations.