New Delhi, July 25: Sydney Olympics bronze medal-winning weightlifter Karnam Malleswari has opened a can of worms after levelling allegations of sexual harassment against Sports Authority of India coach Ramesh Malhotra. On the day, Malhotra questioned Malleswari’s motives and the former lifter was prompt in hitting back.
“He had to react sooner or later. I have nothing to hide from anyone. He may have alleged that I used dope during my career but that are not true,” Malleswari said here on Sunday.
“I have had a successful 18-20 year career and never once have I been caught doping. How is that possible if all the athletes undergo doping tests in all international events?” the lifter asked.
A day after SAI suspended Malhotra and the Indian Weightlifting Federation set up a three-member probe panel to investigate the charges, Malleswari also demanded that strict action be taken against national body’s secretary Sahdev Yadav as well.
“Just suspending the coach is not enough. The federation secretary is also accountable for not heeding numerous complaints against Malhotra over the years.
“He should be sacked for backing such a coach all the way. The federation continued to give him charge of the women’s team and nominated him for a big award like Dronacharya award is appalling,” Malleswari, who is the IWF vice-president, said.