New Delhi, April 27: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has suspended Asian Games medalist and rowing coach PT Paulos. He was serving as the High-Performance Director at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Alappuzha. Sources indicate that a female rowing coach has accused him of sexual harassment.
According to a SAI source, the 49-year-old Paulos was suspended in January following a complaint from a female assistant rowing coach. Upon receiving the complaint, SAI initiated a departmental investigation, which is currently ongoing.
The female coach filed her complaint late last year, alleging that Paulos began harassing her in early 2025. During this period, he reportedly sent her inappropriate messages and entered her room without permission.
To prevent any interference with the investigation or intimidation of the complainant, Paulos was transferred to SAI’s Imphal center earlier this month.
The source stated, “Appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation’s findings.”
Paulos made history by becoming the first Indian rower to compete in the men’s single sculls at the Athens Olympics in 2004. He won a bronze medal in the coxless four event at the 2002 Busan Asian Games alongside Jenil Krishnan, Inderpal Singh, and Roshan Lal. He was appointed as the High-Performance Director for the Indian team by the Rowing Federation of India.
Last month, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed that there have been 33 sexual harassment complaints against SAI staff over the past decade. Of these complaints, eight were against administrative staff and 25 against coaches. Mandaviya also noted that contracts for two coaches have been terminated, and six have been suspended in connection with these cases.
–
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment