News

Indian cycle coach sacked after sexual harassment claim

June 9, 2022 02:15 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

An Indian coach accused of sexually harassing a top female cyclist and threatening to derail her career when she rejected his advances has been sacked by national sport authorities.

The cyclist -- who has not been named -- claimed national sprint team coach RK Sharma had attempted to "forcefully" coerce her into sleeping with him at a hotel during a training camp in Slovenia.

"He made comments such as I should behave like his wife as he is extremely fond of me and wants me to be his wife," the athlete said in a written complaint reported by the Indian Express newspaper on Wednesday.

"I was extremely scared for my safety, wellbeing and life."

The cyclist said Sharma had also threatened to destroy her career by having her removed from an elite sports academy and ensuring she would be left to "sell vegetables on the road". 

The Sports of Authority of India (SAI) sacked the coach on Wednesday and the entire Indian cycling contingent was instructed to return home from Slovenia, a week before the training camp was due to finish.

"The allegations of the athlete are found to be true," the SAI said in a statement, adding Sharma's contract had been terminated with "immediate effect". 

"The committee will continue a detailed investigation into the case and submit a final report."

India's cycling team were in Slovenia to prepare for the Asian Track Cycling Championships, scheduled to be held in Delhi later this month.



Most Read

  1. Five more children die as death toll from measles in Dadu reaches 27 Five more children die as death toll from measles in Dadu reaches 27
  2. Zuhab Khan and Wania Nadeem's love story culminates in heartfelt Nikah ceremony Zuhab Khan and Wania Nadeem's love story culminates in heartfelt Nikah ceremony
  3. Sharmin Segal says NO to Salman Khan's marriage proposal Sharmin Segal says NO to Salman Khan's marriage proposal
  4. Ahmed Ali Akbar drops clue of ‘Parizaad’ Season 2 Ahmed Ali Akbar drops clue of ‘Parizaad’ Season 2
  5. Fan kisses Durefishan Saleem at Ishq Murshid cinema screening Fan kisses Durefishan Saleem at Ishq Murshid cinema screening
  6. 'Arrogant' student hurls bolttle at Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan's face during concert 'Arrogant' student hurls bolttle at Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan's face during concert

Opinion

  1. 9th May - A year later
    9th May - A year later

    By Mutaza Solangi

  2. Everything but the truth in Telegraph
    Everything but the truth in Telegraph

    By Mutaza Solangi

  3. PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan
    PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan

    By Naveed Aman Khan

  4. Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties
    Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties

    By Nasim Zehra

  5. PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls
    PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls

    By News Desk

  6. Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity
    Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity

    By News Desk