Kazakhstan Cycling Coach Booked Under POCSO for Alleged Rape of Minor Athlete in Patiala
· Sports · Times of India, Sportstar
A 34-year-old Kazakhstan coach attached to the Indian cycling squad was booked under the POCSO Act for allegedly raping a minor cyclist at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala. The alleged assault occurred on September 13, and an FIR was filed on September 18 at Civil Lines police station. Police seized the coach's passport, issued a look out circular, and formed two teams to trace him, who has been untraceable since the complaint. The Cycling Federation of India suspended the coach and referred the matter to its internal complaints committee. The coach had been scheduled to accompany the Indian contingent to the Asian Games in Japan, but travel clearance was revoked.
Why it matters
The case raises concerns about the safety of minor athletes in state-run sports training centres and the effectiveness of background checks for foreign coaches. It underscores the need for robust child protection mechanisms in high-performance athletic institutions.
Read the original report — Times of India
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