NHRC takes cognisance of woman cyclist's exploitation by coach

New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said on Friday that it has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports claiming that a top woman cyclist had to face inappropriate behaviour from her coach during a foreign exposure camp in Slovenia.

"The complainant was immediately brought back to India midway through her training to ensure her safety. The SAI has prima facie found the allegation as true," the NHRC said.

It said the Commission has observed that the content of the media report, if true, amounts to human rights violation of the victim sportsperson.

Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI), seeking a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.

"It should include the status of physical as well as mental health of the victim as well as action, if any, taken against the responsible official. We would also like to know whether any specialised counselling has been provided to her by the authorities," the Commission said.

The NHRC pointed out that instead of reining in the coach, the Sports Authority of India reportedly chose to bring the victim back to India, thereby depriving her of the opportunity to train overseas for which she had been selected.

"The Right to Dignity of the victim has purported to have been violated, considering the fact coach and sportsperson is having fiduciary relation, where coach is reposed with the trust to look after the well being and welfare of the sportswoman," it said.

The Commission is also of the opinion that if the allegations mentioned in the news report are true and no action is taken by the authorities with regard to such incidents, other female sportspersons will not only feel unsafe, but will be reluctant to complain against the perpetrators in the future for the fear that they may also be called back mid-way from their training.

The woman victim was part of the Indian team that was in Slovenia to prepare for the Asian Championships, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from June 18-22.

Allegedly, the coach forcefully tried pulling her towards him besides making indecent proposals. He also reportedly threatened to destroy her career if she did not concede to his demand.