Minor’s Allegation Triggers Suspension of India’s Coach

News Desk 

Islamabad:  India’s sports governance framework has come under sharp focus after the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) suspended national shooting coach Ankush Bhardwaj over allegations of sexual assault involving a minor athlete.

The suspension follows the registration of a police case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, after the family of a 17-year-old shooter accused the coach of inappropriate conduct during a national shooting competition in Faridabad in December 2025.

According to the complaint, the coach allegedly summoned the athlete to his hotel room under the guise of performance evaluation, where he reportedly behaved inappropriately and threatened her to remain silent. 

The athlete had been training under Bhardwaj since August 2024 and disclosed the incident to her mother on January 1, 2026, prompting the family to approach authorities.

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Acting swiftly, the NRAI removed Bhardwaj from all coaching responsibilities and issued him a showcause notice, citing moral and ethical grounds. NRAI Secretary Rajiv Bhatia confirmed that the coach will remain barred from all professional engagements until the investigation is completed.

Law enforcement officials in Faridabad have begun examining CCTV footage from the hotel, coordinating with its management as part of the inquiry.

The case has reignited concerns over athlete safety, power dynamics between coaches and minors, and the effectiveness of safeguarding mechanisms within elite sports structures. 

Sports administrators and rights advocates have stressed the need for stronger monitoring systems and clearer reporting channels to protect young athletes from abuse.