Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Para-Shooters Protest PCI Selection, Then Meet Sports Minister
Indian para-shooters protested over how athletes were chosen for the 2026 Asian Para Games.
They demonstrated in New Delhi, including outside a hotel hosting a team send-off event.
The athletes said the selection rules were unfair and that some rules changed late.
They also accused officials of corruption and breaking government guidelines.
Some protesters alleged that four shooters who did not meet the criteria were selected.
They further alleged athletes were asked to give up part of their government prize money to be chosen.
These are allegations made by the athletes, not findings established in the reports.
A group of three shooters met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday.
A Ministry source said talks about resolving the concerns were continuing.
The Games are scheduled for October 18–24, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Indian para-shooters protested in New Delhi against the Paralympic Committee of India over selections for the 2026 Asian Para Games.
They alleged unfair selection, last-minute policy changes, corruption and violations of Sports Ministry guidelines.
Protesters alleged that four shooters who did not meet selection criteria were accommodated, and that quota slots and qualifying scores were manipulated.
They also alleged athletes were pressured to pay a 20 per cent commission from government cash awards as a condition of selection.
A three-member group met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday; a Ministry source said discussions on a resolution were continuing.
- Who
- Indian para-shooters, including Sandeep Kumar and Akash, raised allegations against the Paralympic Committee of India; a three-member group met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
- What
- The athletes protested and sought an inquiry into alleged corruption, unfair selections, policy violations and manipulation in choosing the team.
- When
- The representation was submitted on Wednesday, the protest took place Thursday, and the ministerial meeting was held Friday; the reports do not specify calendar dates.
- Where
- New Delhi, including outside the ITC Maurya and at the Sports Authority of India headquarters.
- Why
- The shooters sought answers and an independent inquiry into selection decisions for the 2026 Asian Para Games.
Protesting Shooters
PCI Position Reported by Shooters
Selection decisions
Protesting Shooters
The shooters alleged that selection norms were relaxed to include four athletes who did not meet the criteria, and said rankings and qualifying scores were manipulated to favor some competitors.
PCI Position Reported by Shooters
One shooter said PCI was taking the position that it had surrendered the quotas and that nothing could be done now. The reports do not provide a direct PCI response to the allegations.
Financial conduct and administration
Protesting Shooters
The protesters alleged corruption, extortion, guideline violations and pressure to pay a 20 per cent commission from government cash awards.
PCI Position Reported by Shooters
The reports do not include a direct response from PCI to these allegations; a Ministry source said deliberations on resolving the concerns were continuing.
- Selection at issue
- Indian team selection for the 2026 Asian Para Games
- Protest locations
- Outside the ITC Maurya and earlier outside the Sports Authority of India headquarters in New Delhi
- Meeting
- A three-member group of para-shooters met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday
- Selection allegation
- The shooters alleged that four athletes who did not meet the selection criteria were accommodated
- Financial allegation
- Protesters alleged a 20 per cent commission from government cash awards was demanded as a condition of selection
- Athletes named
- Sandeep Kumar and Akash; the reports also name Rudransh Khandelwal
- Games schedule
- October 18–24, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
