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Indian Para-Shooters Protest Selection for 2026 Asian Para Games
Indian para-shooters protested about how athletes were chosen for the 2026 Asian Para Games.
They gathered in New Delhi outside a hotel where a team send-off event was being held.
Some athletes said the selection process was unfair and that rules changed at the last minute.
They also accused officials of corruption and breaking government guidelines.
The athletes alleged that some were asked to give up part of their government prize money to be selected.
These are allegations made by the protesters.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said he would meet them to discuss their concerns.
The Games are planned for October 18 to 24, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Indian para-shooters protested in New Delhi against the Paralympic Committee of India over selection for the 2026 Asian Para Games.
The athletes alleged unfair selection practices, last-minute policy changes, corruption and violations of Sports Ministry guidelines.
They also alleged that athletes were pressured to pay a 20 per cent commission from government cash awards to secure selection.
The protest took place outside the ITC Maurya after an earlier demonstration outside the Sports Authority of India headquarters.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said he would meet the protesting shooters; the Games are scheduled for October 18–24, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya.
- Who
- Indian para-shooters, including Sandeep Kumar and Aakash, protested against the Paralympic Committee of India.
- What
- They alleged corruption, unfair selection practices, policy violations and pressure to pay a commission from government cash awards.
- Where
- New Delhi, including outside the ITC Maurya and the Sports Authority of India headquarters.
- When
- Thursday; the article does not specify the date. The Games are scheduled for October 18–24, 2026.
- Why
- The athletes sought answers about selection for the 2026 Asian Para Games and alleged policy changes and misconduct.
Key facts
- Selection at issue
- Selection for the 2026 Asian Para Games
- Protest location
- Outside the ITC Maurya in New Delhi, after an earlier protest at the Sports Authority of India headquarters
- Athletes named
- SH1 para-shooters Sandeep Kumar and Aakash
- Alleged commission
- Protesters alleged athletes were coerced to pay a 20 per cent commission from government cash awards
- Minister's response
- Mansukh Mandaviya said he would meet the protesting para-shooters
- Event dates
- October 18–24, 2026
- Event location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Quotes
A Ministry source
A source from the Indian Sports Ministry speaking to PTI
“There seem to be a lot of institutional problems in how para-shooting is being run right now. It is not merely about the Asian Games. The minister will meet them to try and resolve the issues raised by them, including that of corruption.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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