Para shooters stage protest at PCI send‑off, cite favoritism in Asian Para Games selection

Para shooters disrupted the Paralympic Committee of India’s send‑off ceremony at the ITC Maurya hotel, alleging favoritism and corruption in Asian Para Games selections. More than ten shooters and coaches gathered at the hotel and displayed AI‑generated posters with slogans such as “The one who will pay, will go to Asian Games”. Shooter Akash, ranked third in Asia in the mixed 50 m pistol SH1, said his name was left out because he did not name a coach, despite being India’s top shooter in the event. Fellow shooter Sandeep, Asia’s seventh and India’s second in the same category, claimed official JP Nautiyal asked him for a commission on prize money and accused the selection process of favouritism. Former Paralympic javelin champion and PCI President Devendra Jhajharia met the protesters but could not hold a dialogue at the moment. The athletes also sought a meeting with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was present, but hotel security and police removed them. After the ceremony, Mandaviya, Jhajharia, TOPS CEO N.S. Johal and other PCI officials discussed the issue. Jhajharia told media that selections were based on merit and that the committee had been in regular contact with athletes, though he admitted the protest could have been avoided. The controversy comes days before the Asian Para Games begin on 18 October in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan. A day earlier, para cyclists protested after only one cyclist was named despite recommendations for six.

Context

The Asian Para Games are a major multi‑sport event for athletes with disabilities, and national bodies such as the PCI decide squads based on performance criteria. Disputes over selection are not new and often lead to calls for greater transparency.