Arjuna Award-winning swimmer Virdhawal Khade has been accused of ‘misconduct’ by an 18-year-old woman whom he coached for two years at a suburban gymkhana. Sources alleged that the high-profile coach had sent some obscene photographs to the woman via a messaging application, traumatising her. The Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA) has taken disciplinary action against Khade, whose appointment as a co-opted member of its managing committee has been suspended. He has also been banned from participating in any meeting held under the aegis of the GMAAA until next year. 

Khade has also been denied access to the deck area of swimming pools for any meets conducted under the auspices of GMAAA and he will not be considered for any appointment as coach/manager/mentor of any GMAAA teams participating in the state or national meets.