Top Indian Woman Cyclist Accuses Coach Of Harassment, Contingent Called Back From Slovenia Tour

A top Indian woman cyclist has accused the national coach RK Sharma of harassment in a complaint to Sports Authority of India (SAI). According to the complaint, Sharma forced himself into her room and harassed the cyclist on May 29, during the team's tour of Slovenia. NDTV has learnt through its sources that the cyclist in her complaint to SAI has accused the coach of asking her "to become his wife". The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) on Wednesday recalled the entire Indian contingent from their exposure trip to Slovenia, acting on instructions by the SAI, news agency PTI reported.

The cyclist herself was brought back to India on June 3.

Two separate probe panels -- one by SAI and the other by the CFI --  have been set up to investigate the matter.

"Following the compliant by the athlete, SAI has immediately brought her back to India to ensure her safety and has also constituted a committee to investigate the matter. The matter is being dealt on priority and will be resolved shortly," a Sports Authority of India statement read.

There were no women coaches present on the tour of Slovenia.

The cyclist, who is  part of the elite Target Olympic Podium Scheme, first informed Olympic Gold Quest before registering a complaint with Commodore PK Garg, the CEO of TOPS.

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

It has been learnt that SAI also shot off a separate missive to coach Sharma to return as soon as possible.

(With PTI inputs)