The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has suspended PT Paulose, an Olympian and Asian Games medallist who served as the High Performance Director at the National Centre of Excellence in Alleppey. This action follows sexual harassment allegations made by a female rowing coach. Paulose, aged 49, was suspended after a complaint was filed earlier this year, initiating a departmental inquiry that is currently ongoing.
The female coach accused Paulose of sexual harassment, stating that the inappropriate behavior began in early 2025. Allegations include sending inappropriate messages and entering her room without permission. To ensure a fair investigation, Paulose was transferred to SAI’s Imphal center to prevent any potential influence on the inquiry or intimidation of the complainant. The source mentioned that further actions will be taken based on the inquiry’s findings.
Paulose, the first Indian rower to participate in the Olympics in 2004, won a bronze medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. He was appointed as the high-performance director of the Indian team by the Rowing Federation of India. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya disclosed that there have been 33 sexual harassment complaints against SAI personnel in the last decade, with eight involving administrative staff and 25 against coaches. Mandaviya also noted the termination of contracts for two coaches and six suspensions related to these cases.
