SFI to Probe Sexual Harassment Charges Against Virdhawal Khade

Arjuna awardee and Asian Games bronze medal-winning swimmer Virdhawal Khade was banned for one year by the Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA) following allegations by a trainee swimmer of inappropriate behaviour. Taking note of the situation, the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) has acknowledged his removal from the Federation’s Athletes Commission and intends to investigate further under the SFI POSH policy.

The swimmer had been accused of sending lewd messages and obscene photographs through a messaging app, traumatizing the girl. He later admitted to the allegations, and reports cited his inebriated condition for sending the messages ‘by mistake’. The SFI POSH policy provides for termination of coaching affiliation in case of violation of the code of conduct and institution of legal action by the federation in the event a coach engages in behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment or abuse.