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SAI logged 33 sexual harassment complaints since 2016, 25 against coaches, 8 against staff, leading to suspensions, terminations and penalties, none against ministry officials.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya speaking in the Lok Sabha (PTI)
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has recorded 33 complaints of sexual harassment against its coaches and administrative staff over the past decade, according to data shared in Parliament. The figures, disclosed by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the Lok Sabha, indicate a gradual increase in reporting by female athletes, particularly against coaching personnel.
Of the total complaints filed since 2016, 25 were directed against coaches, while eight involved administrative staff. The minister noted that action has been taken in several cases following inquiries. Among administrative staff, two cases remain under investigation, while one resulted in a penalty involving the permanent withholding of full gratuity under existing pension rules. The remaining cases were closed without further action. In contrast, complaints against coaches led to stricter outcomes. Based on the inquiry committee’s findings, six coaches were suspended, two had their contracts terminated, and six others faced minor penalties.
Action Taken Against Sexual Harassment Complaints
Sports Minister revealed, “With respect to SAI, eight complaints have been filed against administrative staff, and 25 complaints have been filed against coaches since 2016. Out of the said eight cases, two cases are currently pending. For administrative staff, one case penalty was permanent withholding full gratuity as per Rule 9 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, while remaining cases were closed without penalty”.
“For coaches, based on the findings, actions taken include six suspensions, six minor penalties, and two terminations. Further, no appeal was filed for administrative staff. However, for coaches, eight appeals have been filed by the complainant or the accused against the decisions/recommendations of the inquiry committees,” he added.
The issue was raised in response to questions from Members of Parliament regarding the number of sexual harassment complaints across institutions linked to the sports ministry, including SAI centres and national federations. Mandaviya clarified that his ministry does not centrally maintain data on complaints lodged with National Sports Federations (NSFs), as these bodies function independently under their respective governing laws and internal constitutions.
No Complaints Against Sports Ministry
He further stated that no cases of sexual harassment have been reported against officials directly under the ministry during the same period. To address such concerns, the ministry and its affiliated organisations have established Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to provide athletes, trainees, and employees with a formal mechanism to report and resolve grievances related to harassment.
“The NSFs are voluntary bodies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 / Trusts Act / Companies Act. They are governed by their own constitution and have their own mechanism to redress the grievances/ complaints filed with them by sportspersons,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.
“The ministry as well as the various organisations under this ministry have also established Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), which ensure that all employees/trainees/athletes at these locations have access to a mechanism for addressing complaints related to sexual harassment. No complaints in this regard have been filed in the ministry with respect to its officials during the last ten years and the current year,” he added.
April 01, 2026, 3:00 PM IST
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