SAI terminates contract of India coach accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by top woman cyclist
The coach was hired on the recommendation of the Cycling Federation of India.
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has terminated the contract of the coach RK Sharma after a case of him indulging in inappropriate behaviour with a national level cyclist was heard by an enquiry committee constituted by the sporting body.
The SAI announced that the contract of a coach accused of inappropriate behaviour by a national-level cyclist has been terminated after an enquiry committee constituted by the body found the allegations of the athlete to be true.
“The Sports Authority of India had constituted an enquiry committee to hear the case of a national level cyclist’s complaint against a coach of inappropriate behaviour during a foreign exposure trip in Slovenia which was organised by the Cycling Federation of India,” said an official statement from SAI.
“The committee has submitted its preliminary report today and Prima facia the case is established and the allegations of the athlete are found to be true,” the statement added.
The coach who was hired on the recommendation of the Cycling Federation of India had a contract with the Sports Authority of India. Following the report, SAI has terminated the contract of the coach with immediate effect.
The committee will continue a detailed investigation into the case and submit a final report.
Earlier today, the Sports Authority of India called the Indian contingent back from Slovenia after a top woman cyclist accused RK Sharma, the chief coach (SPRINT) of the national team, of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
“Sports Authority of India (SAI) asked for passports of all players and they called the contingent back from Slovenia,” Maninder Pal Singh, Secretary-General, Cycling Federation of India, told ANI on Wednesday.
This incident first came to light on Monday after SAI formed a committee to look into the complaint of the woman cyclist.
The said ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by the coach happened during the training cum competition foreign exposure trip in Slovenia. The camp was the preparatory camp for Asian Track Cycling Championships which is scheduled in Delhi from June 18 to 22.
“We have received a complaint from Ms. (name) against the Chief coach (SPRINT) of the Indian National team, Mr. R.K Sharma regarding inappropriate behaviour during the Training cum Competition Foreign exposure Trip at Slovenia. This camp was the preparatory camp for Asian Track Cycling Championships which is scheduled at Delhi from 18-22 June 2022,” CFI in a statement on Monday said.
“The CFI stands with the Complainant, Ms. (name) and has already convened to Sports Authority of India and Ms. (name) that the decision of the Committee formed by the SAI will have the full support of the Federation on the decision,” the statement added.
Apart from SAI, the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) also formed a four-member committee with the secretary-general – Maninder Pal Singh, SS Sudeesh Kumar – President Kerala Cycling, Dipali Nikam – chief coach of the Maharashtra Cycling team and VN Singh, assistant secretary. (ANI)
