EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 26 MIN
A coach under POCSO, gang violence in Kabaddi, and MP’s cancer study row
from 3 Things · host Express Audio
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda about the case of Ankush Bhardwaj, a shooting coach recently booked under the POCSO Act. Mihir explains how the case surfaced, the gaps in safeguarding athletes, and why this incident has reignited concerns about coach-athlete power dynamics in Indian sport.Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Kanchan Vasudev about the killing of a kabaddi promoter in Punjab and how it points to the sport’s rising association with big money, violence, and gang influence. (12:15)Lastly, we talk to The Indian Express’ Anand Mohan J about a government-funded cancer research project in Madhya Pradesh that’s now under scrutiny for financial irregularities and questionable spending. (23:20)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
What this episode covers
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda about the case of Ankush Bhardwaj, a shooting coach recently booked under the POCSO Act. Mihir explains how the case surfaced, the gaps in safeguarding athletes, and why this incident has reignited concerns about coach-athlete power dynamics in Indian sport.Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Kanchan Vasudev about the killing of a kabaddi promoter in Punjab and how it points to the sport’s rising association with big money, violence, and gang influence. (12:15)Lastly, we talk to The Indian Express’ Anand Mohan J about a government-funded cancer research project in Madhya Pradesh that’s now under scrutiny for financial irregularities and questionable spending. (23:20)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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A coach under POCSO, gang violence in Kabaddi, and MP’s cancer study row
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