NEW DELHI: Olympian Sandeep Sejwal has been suspended by Odisha’s sports department following allegations of abuse by young swimmers. Sejwal, a 2008 Olympian and 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist, was the head coach of the JSW-IIS swimming programme at the High Performance Swimming Centre in Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium.
Several swimmers accused him of physical and verbal abuse, claiming he often used sexist language and threatened expulsion. Some alleged that he mocked students for their underprivileged backgrounds and physically assaulted trainees.
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On Saturday night, minor swimmers at the sports hostel staged a protest against Sejwal. They refused dinner until their complaints were heard.
Swimmers Speak Out Against Abuse
“We are constantly threatened with expulsion if we raise our voices. The coach hurls abuses, physically intimidates us, and punishes us unfairly,” said one complainant.
Another swimmer claimed Sejwal removed good performers from training and later assaulted them in private. “He once thrashed a senior so badly that he bled from the head,” a student alleged.
Swimmers also accused him of making false complaints about them to their families. “He called my home and said I misbehaved. When I asked for proof, he flew into a rage and threatened to throw me out,” said another athlete.
The JSW-IIS swimming programme was launched in 2022 at Kalinga Stadium, in collaboration with the JSW Group led by Sajjan Jindal. It is India’s first privately funded High Performance Centre. The Odisha sports department has now launched an official probe into the allegations.
Officials are also checking the quality of food at the hostel. “We will ensure a safe and supportive environment for all sportspersons,” a department official said.
Olympian Sandeep Sejwal remains suspended until the investigation is complete. He has not yet responded to the allegations. Authorities have assured strict action if the charges are proven.