National shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj came under serious scrutiny after a 17-year-old national-level female shooter accused him of sexual assault. Following the complaint, the Haryana Police registered an FIR. The alleged incident took place at a hotel in Surajkund, Faridabad, during the time of the national shooting championships held in New Delhi. Soon after the allegations surfaced, the National Rifle Association of India suspended him from all official duties.
Early Life and Entry into Shooting
Ankush Bharadwaj hails from Ambala, Haryana. His journey in shooting began in 2005 at a National Cadet Corps camp. Recognising his potential early, he moved to Dehradun to train at the Jaspal Rana Institute of Shooting and Sports. There, he trained under Subhash Rana, brother of the celebrated shooter Jaspal Rana. These years shaped his technical foundation and competitive mindset.
Rise as a Competitive Shooter
Bharadwaj made a strong mark at the national level. In 2007, he won three gold medals at the All-India G.V. Mavalankar Shooting Championship in Agra. A year later, he achieved international recognition by winning gold in the 50m pistol event at the Commonwealth Youth Games held in Pune. These wins positioned him as one of India’s promising pistol shooters.
Doping Ban and Setback
However, his upward trajectory suffered a major blow in 2010. During a junior competition in Suhl, Germany, Bharadwaj tested positive for a beta blocker. The substance is known to reduce heart rate and steady the arm, which can offer an unfair advantage in shooting. As a result, the Sports Authority of India banned him, bringing his competitive career to a sudden halt.
Comeback and International Success
After serving the ban, Bharadwaj returned to the sport in 2012. He gradually rebuilt his career and contributed to India’s success at international events. In 2016, he played a key role in India winning gold in the 25m centre-fire pistol team event at the International Shooting Competition in Hannover. This phase marked his transition from athlete to mentor.
Role as Coach and Private Academy
Over time, Bharadwaj became a national pistol coach. Alongside official coaching duties, he also ran the Salvo Shooting Range in Mohali. He provided private training to selected shooters and remained closely involved with developing young talent. Within shooting circles, he was seen as an experienced technical coach with competitive exposure.
Ankush Bharadwaj is married to Anjum Moudgil, a two-time Olympic shooter who has represented India on the world stage. Their association made him a familiar name in Indian shooting beyond coaching roles.
Allegations and Wider Concerns
The case took a more serious turn when the minor athlete’s mother alleged that another female shooter had also faced similar behaviour from Bharadwaj. While investigations are ongoing, these claims have raised broader concerns about athlete safety and power imbalance in elite sports training environments.
Current Status
As of now, Ankush Bharadwaj remains suspended from all duties by the NRAI. The police investigation continues, and the outcome will determine the legal and professional future of the former shooter-turned-coach. The case has also reignited discussions around safeguarding minors and enforcing stricter accountability in Indian sports systems.
This story is not just about one individual. It reflects the urgent need for transparent systems, safe reporting mechanisms, and a culture where young athletes feel protected and heard.
