Kazakh cycling coach wanted in India over alleged abuse of minor athlete

September 28, 2026 at 11:50 AM2 min

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Police in India's Punjab state are searching for 34-year-old Kazakh cycling coach Maksat Ayazbayev after a minor athlete accused him of sexual assault during a training camp in Patiala. The alleged incident occurred on September 13 and a criminal case was registered on September 18. Ayazbayev's passport has been seized and a Look Out Circular issued to prevent him from leaving India.

Key Facts

The alleged assault took place on September 13 at the National Centre of Sports Excellence in Patiala, Punjab.
A criminal case was registered on September 18 under Indian law, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Ayazbayev's passport has been seized and a Look Out Circular issued to prevent him from leaving India.
The Cycling Federation of India suspended Ayazbayev and cancelled his accreditation for the Asian Games in Japan.
The minor athlete has undergone medical examination and is receiving psychological and legal assistance.

The Allegations

Police in Punjab are investigating 34-year-old Kazakh cycling coach Maksat Ayazbayev after a minor athlete accused him of sexual assault during a training camp. The alleged incident occurred on September 13 at the National Centre of Sports Excellence in Patiala. A criminal case was registered on September 18 under relevant sections of Indian law, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Ayazbayev was in Delhi at the time the complaint was filed, but was not present when police arrived to arrest him.

Search and Restrictions

Police have formed special teams and conducted raids in Delhi and surrounding areas to locate Ayazbayev. A Look Out Circular has been issued to prevent him from leaving India, and his passport has been seized. Ayazbayev was scheduled to accompany the Indian cycling team to the Asian Games in Japan, but his travel authorization was cancelled after the allegations emerged. The Cycling Federation of India suspended him and referred the matter for internal review.

Support for the Athlete

The minor athlete has undergone a medical examination as part of the investigation. She is receiving psychological and legal assistance. The criminal investigation is ongoing.