Hockey India official backs Sardar Singh, accuses complainant of blackmailing: Report

HI official threw his weight behind Sardar Singh and even launched counter-attack on the complainant.

New Delhi: Under-fire Indian hockey skipper Sardar Singh got the backing of Hockey India (HI) on Wednesday after the iconic player was accused of 'attempt to rape' and 'physical harassment' by an international hockey player Ashpal Bhogal.

While talking to IBNLive, an influential HI official threw his weight behind the national captain and even launched counter-attack on the complainant.

"I can't interfere in anobody's personal life, but I know of the situation for the last two years. She has been stalking him for the past two years, and the coaches have also noted that - be it Roelant [Oltmans], [Terry] Walsh or [Paul} van Ass. She was at times also told to leave the team hotel."

While talking about the allegations by Bhogal of have carried Sardar's child, which she aborted, the official said that it was mere an attempt to "blackmail" the senior player.

"This girl is blackmailing him; that's the factual situation. This is what players and officials have told me. Sardar has my full support on this issue.

"She says she has undergone abortion. Was it done in India? If yes, where is the proof? Was any DNA testing done?" the official questioned.

On Tuesday, Bhogal, who is a British citizen and a hockey player herself, filed a complaint at the Koom Kalan police station at Sri Bhaini Shaib in Ludhiana saying that she was engaged to Sardar for four years and he mentally and physically harassed her.

She also said that after a four-year relationship, Sardar now refused to marry her and was also not picking her calls.

The complaint filed by the girl is being verified by Ludhiana police. However, the complainant's lawyer PS Hundal said that it's a cognisable offence, and the police can take action soon.