NRAI suspends national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj after a minor shooter accuses him of sexual harassment. FIR filed in Faridabad; coach barred from all activities pending inquiry.
In a major development in Indian sports, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has suspended national coach Ankush Bharadwaj following allegations of sexual harassment by a minor shooter. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the shooting community, has also led to the filing of an FIR against Ankush Bharadwaj in Faridabad.
NRAI Secretary Rajiv Bhatia confirmed the suspension, stating that the coach has been issued a show-cause notice and will remain barred from all coaching activities until the inquiry is completed. “He has been suspended on moral grounds. Now, he has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is not completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity,” Bhatia told PTI.
also read:- Jacob Bethell Joins Kapil Dev in Elite Club After Maiden…
Background of the Allegation
The 17-year-old shooter, who had been training under Ankush Bharadwaj since August 2025, filed the FIR alleging that the harassment occurred after a training session at the Karni Singh Range in Surajkund. According to the FIR, the shooter disclosed the incident to her mother on January 1, 2026, after enduring trauma in silence.
Bharadwaj, a former pistol shooter, had previously served a doping ban in 2010 for using a beta-blocker during his competitive career. He was also part of the 37-member coaching staff recommended by NRAI for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
NRAI’s Immediate Action
The NRAI has taken strict action to safeguard athletes and maintain the integrity of the sport. Rajiv Bhatia emphasized that the federation is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and that Ankush Bharadwaj will not resume any official duties unless proven innocent.
This case has sparked discussions across the sporting fraternity about athlete safety and the accountability of coaching staff, with many calling for stronger preventive measures in sports academies and training facilities.
As the investigation unfolds, further updates from authorities are awaited. Meanwhile, the shooting community and parents of young athletes are closely monitoring the case.
For More Hindi News:- http://newz24india.com