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.
Damien Martyn Health Update: What is the condition of Damien Martyn, who is hospitalized? What did Adam Gilchrist say?
Former Australian batting great Damien Martyn is currently battling a serious illness, meningitis. He is admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital and is currently in a medically induced coma. The
Jabalpur, Hyderabad, and Bagalkot... Communal tension erupts in three cities across the country; what is the situation now?
Three states, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, are witnessing violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims. Tensions between the two communities escalated during temple worship and mosque
Delhi Excise Policy Case: Kejriwal broke down after the court's decision, saying - I am not corrupt, AAP is staunchly honest
Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has granted a major relief to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the case filed by the Central Bureau of
'Whether the Dollar Goes Up or Down...' Salman Khan Steps Up in Support of Rajpal Yadav; Actor Faces Taunts Over ₹9 Crore Cheque Bounce Case
Actor Salman Khan shared a post on Tuesday in support of his fellow actor, Rajpal Yadav. This post comes in the wake of a remark made at a recent awards ceremony—a comment widely perceived as
Tarique Rahman's swearing-in today: From jail at the age of four to Bangladesh's PM, the political journey of the 'Dark Prince'
Despite four years of exile and political challenges, Tarique Rahman united the BNP and generated a new wave of support among young voters. The party's historic victory in the 2026 general elections
"India will also consider its own needs while supplying petroleum to others," the Centre said on the oil crisis.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Thursday that Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives have requested supplies of petroleum products from India. While supplying
Ola, Uber, and Rapido services have come to a halt across the country; a strike has been announced today. What are their demands?
Today, Saturday, February 7th, drivers associated with Ola, Uber, and Rapido across the country have announced a work stoppage. Drivers associated with Uber and Rapido will keep their mobile apps
'UGC bill is a betrayal of the upper caste community', people take to the streets in Himachal Pradesh; memorandums sent to the Prime Minister and President.
Protests against the UGC bill have also begun in Himachal Pradesh. The Rajput Mahasabha and Savarna Samaj (upper caste community) strongly protested against the UGC bill in Hamirpur district. The
New Income Tax Law: The New Income Tax Law Comes into Effect on April 1st—What Changes Can Be Expected?
The new Income Tax Act, 2025, is set to come into force on April 1, 2026. However, taxpayers need not be concerned regarding the filing of their returns.
Greenland Row: 'Donald Trump... go to hell,' Danish MP lashes out at US aggression over Greenland.
US President Donald Trump's aggression regarding Greenland continues to escalate. Meanwhile, a statement from a Danish Member of Parliament has made headlines. In his statement, the MP advised Donald
