Archive · 12 Jan 2026
NRAI acts swiftly on sexual assault allegations
A coach named Ankush Bhardwaj is accused of sexually assaulting a young trainee shooter.
The coach also tried to scare the victim into staying quiet.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) quickly took action.
They arrested the coach and stopped him from coaching.
The NRAI also sent a notice asking why he did this.
This quick action is different from other cases where similar problems were not handled well.
The story shows how young athletes can be hurt by people they trust, like coaches.
It's important for organizations to protect these young athletes.
Ankush Bhardwaj, a former athlete and national coach, is accused of sexually assaulting a minor trainee shooter.
The incident occurred in December 2023, and Bhardwaj allegedly intimidated the victim to silence.
Bhardwaj has been arrested under the POCSO Act and the BNS and suspended by the NRAI.
The NRAI has issued a show cause notice to Bhardwaj and informed its Internal Complaints Committee.
The NRAI's swift response contrasts with past cases, such as the 2023 allegations by Indian women wrestlers.
- Who
- Ankush Bhardwaj, a former athlete and national coach, is accused of sexually assaulting a minor trainee shooter.
- What
- The NRAI has taken swift action by arresting Bhardwaj and suspending him from all coaching duties.
- When
- The incident occurred in December 2023, and the NRAI's response was immediate.
- Where
- The incident took place after a sporting event, and the NRAI is based in India.
- Why
- The NRAI acted swiftly to address the sexual misconduct allegations and protect the victim.
- Accused
- Ankush Bhardwaj
- Victim
- A trainee shooter (minor)
- Incident Date
- December 2023
- Charges
- Sexual assault, intimidation
- Acts Violated
- POCSO Act, BNS
- Organization
- National Rifle Association of India (NRAI)
- Action Taken
- Arrest, suspension, show cause notice