SAI calls back Indian cycling contingent from Slovenia in wake of allegations against coach

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has decided to call entire Indian contingent back to the country from Slovenia after a female cyclist accused chief coach RK Sharma of “inappropriate behaviour” during the training-cum-competition trip.

The Indian endurance contingent, consisting of five male and one female cyclists, was scheduled to return on June 14 from Slovenia.

SAI has already called back the cyclist, who made the allegations, and formed an enquiry committee to look into the matter.

The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) Chairman Onkar Singh told PTI that SAI has made the decision to cut short the training trip.

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

Reports say that SAI is believed to have shot off a separate missive to coach Sharma to return as soon as possible.

The athlete in her complaint to SAI had accused Sharma of allegedly barging into her room to give her a “post-training” massage and asking her to “sleep with him” during a camp in Slovenia last month.

The cyclist alleged that Sharma tried to pull her towards him and told her that he wants her “to be her wife.” She said he threatened to end her career and remove her from the National Centre of Excellence when she resisted his advances.