Para-shooters allege selection corruption as cyclists plan Para Asian Games protest

India’s preparations for the Para Asian Games have been hit by selection disputes, with para-shooters alleging financial corruption and manipulation in the selection process, while six para-cyclists left out of the proposed contingent plan to protest at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters on Thursday.

The para-shooters have sought an independent inquiry into alleged financial irregularities involving officials of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee. In a representation to SAI director general on Wednesday, they alleged that athletes were pressured to pay 20 per cent of government cash awards as a condition for selection.

They also alleged manipulation of international quota places and qualifying scores, along with violations of Sports Ministry guidelines.

Sandeep Kumar, a P4 50m free pistol SH1 shooter ranked third in Asia, alleged bias in his event and claimed Akash, the Asian No. 1, was overlooked while Rudrankksh Khandelwal, ranked 14th, was selected.

PCI president Devendra Jhajharia rejected the allegations to PTI, saying the selections were “100 per cent fair” and based on Sports Ministry guidelines. A Sports Ministry source said genuine grievances would be addressed but the Para Asian Games selection had already been finalised.

Meanwhile, six cyclists excluded from the recommended list are planning to meet TOPS CEO N S Johal. Arshad Shaik is the only para-cyclist cleared by the Ministry.

The omitted cyclists include Prashant Arkal, Pavan Kumar Kommoji, Sameer, Vasani Babubhai, Shashruti Vinayak Nakade and Lisha Das. SAI said only Arshad met the selection criteria, citing his fourth-place finish at the Asian Para Road Championships and fifth-place finish in the 1km time trial at the Asian Para Track Championships.

The Para Asian Games begin in Aichi-Nagoya on October 18. India have won only one cycling medal, a bronze, at the Para Asiad.

(With inputs from PTI)