The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has taken swift action by suspending PT Paulose, the trailblazing rower who became India’s first Olympian in the discipline. The 49-year-old, previously High Performance Director at Aleppey’s National Centre of Excellence, faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct from a female assistant coach.
Sources reveal the complaint was lodged towards the end of last year, accusing Paulose of sending unsolicited messages and entering her private quarters beginning in early 2025. SAI initiated a departmental inquiry in January upon receiving the report, resulting in his immediate suspension. To safeguard the process, he was shifted to the Imphal centre at the start of this month.
“Decisions will be based strictly on the inquiry outcomes,” a SAI insider stated, highlighting the organization’s zero-tolerance stance. Paulose’s illustrious career includes a bronze in the coxless four at the 2002 Busan Asian Games with teammates Jenil Krishnan, Inderpal Singh, and Roshan Lal. He made history at the 2024 Athens Olympics in men’s single sculls and was later elevated by the Rowing Federation of India.
This case amplifies concerns over harassment in sports administration. Last month, Minister Mansukh Mandaviya disclosed 33 such complaints at SAI in the last 10 years—25 against coaches and eight against admin staff. Actions taken include terminating two coaches’ contracts and suspending six others, as authorities work to foster accountability and protect victims.
