Asian Para Games 2026: Para swimmer Shams Alam sent back for allegedly molesting a hotel employee

In a major embarrassment to the Indian contingent at the 2026 Asian Para Games, para swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh was deported from Nagoya following allegations of sexual harassment and molestation of a female hotel employee.

According to a report in The Times of India, Shaikh was detained by Japan police and was later deported a day after the incident, with guarantee from Indian officials that concrete action will be taken.

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), meanwhile, took cognizance of the incident and is reportedly considering disciplinary action including a life-time ban.

A final decision, however, is expected when the officials return from the continental games.

"In the present matter, the Chef de Mission (CDM) has recommended the strictest disciplinary action, including a lifetime ban against the athlete concerned. The athlete has been sent back to India from Japan. Further action will be taken by the competent authorities in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures after the conclusion of the Asian Para Games," the PCI said in an official statement.

The incident took place at the Indian para swimming team’s hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, on Monday.

The female employee was reportedly carrying out housekeeping duties in the swimmer’s room when the alleged misconduct took place.

The 40-year-old Shaikh was scheduled to compete in the Men's 100m Butterfly (S5), 50m Breaststroke (SB4) and 200m Breaststroke event.

“The local organising committee (LOC) informed the chef-de-mission’s (CDM) office that an alleged sexual harassment and molestation incident had occurred at the hotel and that an Indian athlete had been detained by the local police,” an official was quoted as saying by TOI.

The official said the delegation had to tender a written apology for the incident and that Shaikh was moved to another hotel for the night and booked on the first available flight, departing Nagoya at around 2 pm local time on Tuesday.

Indian para athletes have collected 71 medals including 16 gold medals at the time of this report going into publication at the 2026 Asian Para Games.