SAI terminates contract of cycling coach, calls back contingent from Slovenia in wake of harassment allegations by female cyclist

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Wednesday terminated the contract of chief cycling coach R K Sharma after a preliminary enquiry found him guilty of “inappropriate behaviour” with a female cyclist during a training camp in Slovenia.   The SAI took the decision hours after it decided to call back the entire Indian contingent from the European nation where the cyclists had gone for a training-cum-competition trip.

The victim, who reportedly feared for her life due to the alleged harassment and requested to get back home, has already been brought to the country, keeping in mind her safety.   SAI had formed a five-member committee, headed by its internal sexual harassment committee chief, to look into the allegations. The panel submitted an initial report, based on which the sports body took the decision. “The committee has submitted its preliminary report today and prima facie the case is established and the allegations of the athlete are found to be true,” SAI said in a statement.

“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 statement added.

SAI said a detailed investigation will follow and the committee will submit a final report soon.

Earlier in the day, SAI informed the Cycling Federation of India (SAI) that it was terminating the camp and calling back the entire contingent, immediately.   The Indian endurance contingent, consisting of five males and a female, flew to Slovenia on May 15 for a month-long camp which was to conclude on June 14.

“One SAI official called up CFI this morning and said all the contingent including coach RK Sharma will be called back immediately from Slovenia,” CFI Chairman Onkar Singh told

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