LAHORE: Former goalkeeper for Pakistan’s women’s hockey team, Syeda Sadia, who had earlier accused head coach Saeed Khan of assault and harassment, has decided to pursue a case against him after being turned down by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for support.
“I will definitely pursue a case”, she said, adding that she won’t tolerate any disrespect. Sadia had alleged that Saeed Khan had harassed her on October 8 after a dinner arranged for players of the hockey federation in Lahore. She added that Khan later followed her to her hostel room where he grabbed her and threatened to ban her.
She wrote to the Punjab Sports Minister, Jahangir Khanzada, and the PHF the day after the incident, detailing what happened and demanding that action be taken against Khan. A copy of that letter, dated October 9, contained instructions from Khanzada for an inquiry into the matter to be completed within 10 days.
After that deadline lapsed without any action being taken, Sadia felt she should approach the media to present her case. She recorded a video statement to ask for help, which was circulated widely over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Saeed Khan and PHF Women Wing Secretary Tanzeela Aamer Cheema on Friday refuted the allegations levelled by Syeda Sadia.
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.
