A women cyclist who represents the country internationally has complained of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by national team chief coach RK Sharma, which has prompted the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the cycling federation to form inquiry committees. The SAI formed the committee on Monday, May 6, to investigate the cyclist's complaint on a priority basis and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) is standing by their athlete as well.
"We have received a complaint from Ms Mayuri Lute against the Chief coach (SPRINT) of the Indian National team, Mr RK Sharma regarding inappropriate behaviour during the Training cum Competition Foreign exposure Trip at Slovenia. This camp was the preparatory camp for Asian Track Cycling Championships which is scheduled in Delhi from 18-22 June 2022. The CFI stands with the Complainant, Ms Mayuri Lute, and has already convened to Sports Authority of India and Ms Mayuri Lute that the decision of the Committee formed by the SAI will have the full support of the Federation on the decision," the SAI said in a statement.
The training-cum-competition foreign exposure trip to Slovenia was in preparation for the Asian Track Cycling Championships, scheduled to be held here from June 18 to 22.
The CFI said she has the full backing of the national body. They have set up a four-member committee, including Secretary-General Maninder Pal Singh, SS Sudeesh Kumar (President, Kerala Cycling), Dipali Nikam (chief coach, Maharashtra cycling team) and assistant secretary VN Singh, who met with Lute on Monday and assured her full support.
The CFI said the rest of the players along with coach Sharma are scheduled to return to India on June 14.
