New Delhi
India’s shooting fraternity was rocked after a minor shooter accused a national-level coach of sexually assaulting her during the National Championships last month, prompting the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to suspend the coach and confirm the registration of a police case under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The accused, Ankush Bhardwaj, a prominent member of the national coaching setup, has been booked by Faridabad police under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, which deals with aggravated sexual assault, and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation. The alleged incident took place during the National Championships at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi.
NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia said the federation has barred Bhardwaj from all coaching-related duties pending the outcome of the investigation. “He has been suspended on moral grounds and a show-cause notice will be issued. Until the inquiry is completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity,” Bhatia told.
According to the FIR, the 17-year-old shooter had been training under Bhardwaj since August last year and travelled for competitions and training camps across several cities. She alleged that after her event at the Nationals, the coach asked her to stay back to analyse her performance and later summoned her to a hotel in the Surajkund area of Faridabad, where the alleged assault took place.
The victim stated that she was traumatised and remained silent for several days due to fear and threats, eventually confiding in her mother on January 1 after being repeatedly questioned about her changed behaviour. Police officials confirmed that an investigation is underway and statements are being recorded.
Bhardwaj was recommended by the NRAI for inclusion in the national coaching staff following the Paris Olympics in 2024 and was appointed by the Sports Authority of India. A former pistol shooter, he had previously served a doping ban in 2010.
The NRAI said it will extend full cooperation to the investigating agencies and reiterated its commitment to athlete safety.
