The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has set a potentially new precedent with its rapid and decisive response to serious allegations of sexual misconduct within its ranks. A national coach stands accused of assaulting a minor trainee shooter, prompting immediate institutional action that contrasts sharply with past handling of similar cases in Indian sports.
The Allegations and Immediate Fallout
Ankush Bhardwaj, a former athlete turned national shooting coach, faces grave accusations from a female trainee shooter. The complainant, a minor, has alleged that Bhardwaj sexually assaulted her following a sporting event in December. Further, she has accused him of using his position of authority to intimidate her and threaten her future in the sport, aiming to silence her.
The legal machinery moved quickly following the complaint. Bhardwaj has been arrested under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Parallel to the police action, the NRAI initiated its own disciplinary measures.
NRAI's Unusually Prompt Institutional Response
The sports body's reaction has been notably swift and comprehensive. It has suspended Ankush Bhardwaj and removed him from all coaching responsibilities with immediate effect. Beyond the suspension, the NRAI has issued a formal show-cause notice to the coach and has formally brought the case before its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for further investigation and action.
This proactive stance is being viewed as a significant departure from how sports federations in India have historically addressed allegations of sexual harassment and abuse. The case invites a direct comparison to the 2023 allegations made by India's top women wrestlers against the then-president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. That episode was marred by delays and perceived institutional resistance, causing national outrage and prolonged protests by the athletes.
A Grim Pattern and the Vulnerability of Young Athletes
The harrowing details emerging from the young shooter's complaint sadly echo a recurring narrative in Indian sports. Young athletes, many of them minors living away from home to train, remain exceptionally vulnerable to predators in positions of trust—coaches, trainers, and support staff.
Coming forward against powerful figures is an immense challenge for these athletes. This difficulty is compounded when systems fail; perpetrators are often investigated lackadaisically, face light penalties, or, as a 2020 investigation into the Sports Authority of India revealed, are allowed to continue working with young sportspersons while inquiries drag on indefinitely. This institutional failure inflicts deep mental and physical trauma on the victims, shattering their trust and passion for the sport.
While the law will now run its course in the courts, the NRAI's initial actions demonstrate a critical pathway. They show how institutions designed to nurture talent must also be robust systems of support and protection, especially during an athlete's most difficult times. This case may serve as a benchmark for accountability in Indian sports administration.
