- PHF official says no need of committee to investigate allegations
- Former hockey player levels allegation of assault by head coach
LAHORE: Pakistan hockey team head coach Saeed Khan and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Women Wing Secretary Tanzeela Aamer Cheema on Friday refuted the allegations levelled by Syeda Sadia of sexual harassment by the head coach.
Former goalkeeper for the women’s national hockey team Syeda Sadia had accused Saeed Khan of harassment and assault, on Thursday. Sadia, who is also captain of the Railways hockey team, alleged that Khan harassed and assaulted her on the night of October 8 after an argument.
Saeed Khan, while terming the allegations baseless, said his entire hockey career was clean and he always believed in respecting others.
Tanzeela said that she herself was present that night along with a couple of other women officials. “It was an official dinner in honour of the newly selected team for the Brunei event, which was announced only a day before.”
“Syeda Sadia, who was a part of the Pakistan team for the last international event, AHF Cup November 2016, in Thailand, could not gain selection this time. I regard this as the sole reason for her outburst,” she said
“We have also dropped another player Iqra Javed, who had supported Saeeda’s allegations. Iqra is a close friend of Saeeda and they hail from the same place. There cannot be any compromise on discipline”, she asserted.
Earlier, another player, Iqra Javed, also came forward in support of Sadia, saying that she witnessed the incident. “Whatever Sadia has said against Khan is true,” Iqra Javed said in a video message.
“I have recommended the PHF to impose a life ban on Olympian Usman, a former assistant coach of the women team, as there had been a lot of complaints and reports about him over the years,” Tanzeela said.
When asked, if the PHF Women Wing was going to appoint a committee to probe the incident, Tanzeela replied, “There is no need for any committee since I was myself present that evening at National Hockey Stadium.”
Team manager, Lt Col (R) Ahmed Nawaz said, “I have known Saeed Khan since childhood. He has always been a gentleman throughout his life. We created a very homely atmosphere during the camp but you cannot rule out miscreants.”