In another big allegation against the male coaches who are put in charge of Indian sportswomen, Olympics bronze medallist Karnam Malleswari has taken on a national level weightlifting coach.

While Malleswari has not come out with any names but she has hinted that the man in question is Ramesh Malhotra.

Malhotra has been with the Indian team for 15 years and has also been recommended for the Dronacharya award - the highest Indian honour for sports coaches.

Malleswari says the coach in question had been sexually harassing junior weight-lifters for more than a decade - often their selection in the Indian team depended on the favours extended to the coaches.

Malleswari alleges that the coach was transferred out of SAI for a brief time as well due to the allegations.

She has on three occasions asked Indian Weightlifting Federation president BP Baishya to remove the tainted coach.

Malleswari also alleges that the coach in question has been calling her repeatedly not to disclose the details that are now available with NewsX.