Who is Ankush Bharadwaj: Shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj, accused of sexually assaulting a minor shooter, has been suspended by NRAI.

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.