National Shooting Coach Suspended After Minor Files Sexual Harassment Complaint in Faridabad

A national-level shooting coach has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment made by a minor athlete in Haryana’s Faridabad district, triggering an official investigation by sports authorities and local police.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) confirmed that an FIR has been registered against coach Ankush Bhardwaj, who was part of India’s national shooting coaching setup. Acting on the complaint, the federation has placed him under immediate suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry.

According to NRAI officials, the suspension has been imposed on moral and administrative grounds. Bhardwaj will remain barred from all coaching duties until the investigation is completed and the allegations are legally addressed. A show-cause notice is also expected to be issued to him as part of the federation’s internal disciplinary process.

The complaint alleges that the incident occurred last month following a training session at the Karni Singh Shooting Range. The minor athlete, who had been training under the coach since August 2025, reportedly disclosed the incident to her family earlier this month, leading to the filing of the police complaint.

NRAI officials stated that Bhardwaj had earlier been recommended by the federation for inclusion in the national coaching team after the Paris 2024 Olympics and was subsequently appointed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The federation emphasised that the appointment was made prior to the emergence of the current allegations.

Bhardwaj, a former pistol shooter, had previously faced a doping suspension during his competitive career in 2010 for the use of a prohibited beta-blocker. Authorities have said the investigation is ongoing, and further action will be based on the findings of the police probe and internal reviews. The NRAI reiterated its commitment to athlete safety and said it would extend full cooperation to law enforcement agencies.