Indian police have launched a manhunt for former Astana professional and Cycling Federation of India (CFI) coach Maxat Ayazbayev, 34, after a minor athlete training at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala accused him of rape, according to The Times of India.
The case was registered at the Civil Lines police station in Patiala on Friday 18 September 2026, following a complaint by the minor cyclist. The alleged incident reportedly took place on Sunday 13 September 2026.
Patiala Superintendent of Police Mohit Aggarwal confirmed that the matter came to police attention on 18 September and that a First Information Report was registered after the athlete’s statement was recorded. Charges have been filed under the POCSO Act, India’s law covering sexual offences against children.
Multiple police agencies are searching for Ayazbayev after a nationwide Look Out Circular was issued to apprehend and detain the coach, who has been untraceable since the allegation surfaced. He was reportedly due to travel with the Indian cycling team to Japan for the Asian Games taking place 19 September – 04 October, but his trip was deferred with police taking custody of his passport.
The CFI has suspended the coach and referred the case to its Internal Complaints Committee, appointing an official to assist with the legal process. Ayazbayev was introduced as the CFI Chief Coach (Endurance) for Team India in November 2025, citing his previous experience with Astana and Kazakhstan’s national teams.
Ayazbayev, born in 1992 in Baktybai, Kazakhstan, raced professionally for Astana between 2012 and 2016 and won the Tour of Bulgaria in 2012 before moving into coaching and team management.
Photo Credit: Shenzhen Kung Cycling Team
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