National Shooting Coach Ankush Bharadwaj Suspended Over Minor Athlete’s Sexual Assault Allegations
NRAI takes swift action as Haryana Police register POCSO case against Commonwealth Games gold medallist
Faridabad, January 8, 2026: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has suspended prominent pistol coach Ankush Bharadwaj following serious allegations of sexual assault levelled by a 17-year-old national-level female shooter under his guidance.
Haryana Police have registered an FIR against Bharadwaj under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for aggravated penetrative sexual assault, along with provisions related to criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The alleged incident dates back to December 16, 2025, shortly after a national shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. According to the complaint, the coach summoned the minor athlete to a hotel in Surajkund, Faridabad, ostensibly to review her performance.
Initially instructed to meet in the hotel lobby, the athlete was later persuaded to visit the coach’s room for a more detailed discussion. There, under the pretext of relieving back tension, Bharadwaj allegedly forced her onto the bed and assaulted her despite her resistance. He is also accused of threatening to derail her sporting career and harm her family if she spoke out.
The athlete, who has been training in shooting since 2017 and began working with Bharadwaj in August 2025, confided in her mother on January 6 after weeks of visible distress. The family promptly approached the Women’s Police Station in NIT, Faridabad, leading to the registration of the case.
NRAI officials confirmed the immediate suspension of Bharadwaj pending a thorough internal inquiry. “We maintain zero tolerance for any such misconduct,” an NRAI spokesperson stated, adding that a show-cause notice has been issued to the coach.
Police are investigating the matter, including reviewing hotel records and gathering statements. Bharadwaj, a former shooter who won gold at the Commonwealth Games and previously served a doping ban, has not yet responded publicly to the charges.
The case has raised concerns about athlete safety in Indian sports federations, with calls for stronger safeguards.
