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Woman cyclist alleges harassment by national coach
Sports Authority of India initiates an inquiry after a formal complaint by the rider during an exposure trip to Slovenia
A woman cyclist has complained of “inappropriate behaviour” by national team chief coach RK Sharma during an overseas training camp in Slovenia. Acting on an official complaint, Sports Authority of India (SAI) has initiated an inquiry and recalled the cyclist.
“The SAI has received a complaint from a cyclist of inappropriate behaviour by a coach during a foreign exposure camp in Slovenia. The coach was appointed on the recommendation of the Cycling Federation of India,” SAI said in a statement.
SAI has constituted a committee to investigate the matter. “It is being dealt with on priority,” SAI said.
The training-cum-competition trip in Slovenia, a cycling powerhouse, was to prepare for the Asian championships, scheduled to be held here from June 18 to 22. She was the only woman rider in the camp.
According to sources, the cyclist first complained to officials of SAI’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme on May 30 saying the coach has asked her to “stay in his room due to unavailability of rooms.”
SAI acted on it and got her a separate room. However, the athlete filed a written complaint against the coach on June 3, alleging that she was approached again and was not comfortable staying there.
“SAI has immediately brought her back to India to ensure her safety and has also constituted a committee to investigate the matter.”
The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) in a statement said it stands with the complainant and that it has conveyed to SAI of its full support in the matter. The CFI has also formed a panel with secretary general Maninder Pal Singh as head to investigate the matter.
The rest of the team and coach RK Sharma are expected to return on June 14.
