Ankush Bhardwaj, a coach associated with the Indian national shooting team, has become embroiled in a serious controversy. A 17-year-old national-level shooter has accused him of intimate harassment, leading to a swift response from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which immediately suspended the coach. The Haryana Police registered an FIR against Ankush based on a complaint filed by the minor's family. According to the allegations, the incident occurred at a hotel in Surajkund (Faridabad), where the shooter was staying during a competition and training.
What does the FIR say?
The complaint states that the incident took place last month during the national championships held at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. After a practice session, the coach allegedly called the shooter to his hotel room, where the alleged intimate harassment occurred. According to the victim, she had been training under Ankush Bhardwaj's guidance since August 2024. The family claims that the shooter revealed the incident on January 1st after persistent questioning.
NRAI confirms suspension on moral grounds
Speaking to news agency PTI, National Rifle Association of India secretary Rajiv Bhatia said, "We have suspended him, and we will issue a show-cause notice. He has been suspended on moral grounds. He will not be involved in any coaching activity until the investigation is complete." He also stated that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) had appointed him as a national coach after the Paris Olympics 2024, based on the recommendation of the National Rifle Association of India. The family also claimed that another young shooter had faced similar treatment, further escalating the seriousness of the case.
Who is Ankush Bhardwaj?
Ankush Bhardwaj hails from Ambala (Haryana). He started shooting in 2005 at an NCC camp. Later, he trained at the Jaspal Rana Institute of Shooting and Sports, Dehradun, and received coaching from Subhash Rana. In 2007, he won three gold medals at the GV Mavalankar Shooting Competition in Agra. In 2008, he won a gold medal in the 50-meter pistol event at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune. Ankush also won several medals on the international stage.
History of Doping Ban
Ankush's career has not been without controversy. In 2010, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) banned him for violating doping rules after he tested positive for a beta-blocker during a junior event in Germany. This drug helps control heart rate and stabilize aim. He later made a comeback in 2012 and helped India win a team gold at the 2016 Hanover Shooting Competition.
Current Role and Personal Life
Ankush was currently serving as a national pistol coach. He runs the Salvo Shooting Range in Mohali. Ankush also provides private coaching to select players. He is married to Anjum Moudgil, a two-time Olympian shooter.
What's Next? Investigation Underway
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has clarified that Ankush will not be involved in any coaching activities until the investigation is complete. The case may also fall under the Protection of Children from intimate Offences (POCSO) Act, as the victim is a minor. This case raises questions about safety, trust, and oversight within the Indian sports system. Such allegations involving minor athletes are a serious warning for the country's sports infrastructure.
Konaseema ONGC Well Fire: The fire at the ONGC well is out of control; experts have been called in from Mumbai and Delhi to Andhra Pradesh.
ONGC expert teams from Mumbai and Delhi have been dispatched to the site to extinguish a massive fire at a gas well in Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh. Officials said on Tuesday
Shubman Gill makes a big demand from the BCCI... suggests a new Test rule to avoid defeats in Test cricket.
Since Gautam Gambhir became the head coach of the Indian team, Team India has suffered two clean sweeps in Test series. New Zealand defeated them 3-0 at the end of 2024, and South Africa defeated them
"If you don't comply, you'll end up like Maduro...", Trump's threat to Venezuela's new president, Delcy Rodriguez.
Even after the turmoil in Venezuela, Trump's stance remains unwavering. He has threatened Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. Trump says that if Delcy doesn't do what's right, she
Jaishankar: 'India has the right to defend itself against hostile neighbors', Jaishankar warns Pakistan on terrorism.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said in a statement on Friday that India will use its right to self-defense against terrorism, and no other country can dictate what India will or
Bulldozer action continues at Turkman Gate; 11 arrested so far in the stone-pelting case; Maulana Rashid says, "No action should be taken against innocent people."
Police have intensified their crackdown following the anti-encroachment drive in the Turkman Gate area and the subsequent stone-pelting incident. Six more people have been arrested in connection with
'I will get married...' Shraddha Kapoor makes a big announcement! Breaks her silence on a fan's question.
Bollywood's 'Stree' (Shraddha Kapoor) has no shortage of admirers. Her social media following is even greater than that of global icon Priyanka Chopra. While fans are captivated by Shraddha's
This villain did not get an entry in Krrish 4, Rakesh Roshan's big statement goes viral.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the start of production on Hrithik Roshan's highly anticipated franchise, Krrish 4. There were reports that several actors, including Priyanka Chopra, Rajat Bedi,
Stray Dogs Case: Supreme Court asks - What do you want? How many stray dogs should be seen in hospital corridors?
The Supreme Court resumed hearing the stray dog issue on Thursday. The Supreme Court focused on petitions highlighting the dangers posed by stray animals and the alleged shortcomings of civic
You won't be able to book train tickets without linking your Aadhaar card until this time; the conditions will apply from the opening day. Understand the complete rules?
Indian Railways has implemented new rules to make online ticket booking more transparent. From January 5th, users who have not linked their IRCTC accounts to Aadhaar will not be able to book tickets
A major update has emerged regarding Shreyas Iyer's return; one specific date could become an obstacle to his return to the field!
Indian ODI team vice-captain Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury during the tour of Australia. The injury was quite serious, and he had to be admitted to the ICU. Since then, everyone has been wondering
