Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Para-Shooters Allege Kickbacks in Asian Games Selection
Some Indian para-shooters say the team for the Para Asian Games was chosen unfairly.
They allege that athletes were asked to give officials 20 per cent of their government cash awards to be selected.
They also say some qualifying scores and team places were manipulated.
Sandeep Kumar says athletes with better rankings were passed over.
Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia denies the claims and says the team was chosen fairly under the rules.
The Sports Ministry says it will address genuine complaints, but the team selection is final.
The shooters say they may ask a High Court to intervene.
The allegations have not been established in the reports.
Para-shooters have sought an independent inquiry into alleged corruption and manipulation in selections for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games.
Their representation alleges officials demanded 20 per cent of athletes’ government cash awards as a condition of selection.
The shooters also allege wild-card places and qualifying scores were manipulated, and that two of India’s 15 international quota places were surrendered.
Sandeep Kumar alleges higher-ranked athletes were overlooked; PCI president Devendra Jhajharia says the selections followed prescribed criteria and ministry guidelines.
The Sports Ministry says grievances will be addressed, but selection is finalised; the shooters say they may seek court intervention.
- Who
- Indian para-shooters, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and PCI president Devendra Jhajharia.
- What
- The shooters seek an independent inquiry into alleged extortion and manipulation in team selection; the PCI denies the allegations.
- When
- The representation was submitted on Wednesday; the report is dated October 7. The Games are scheduled for October 18–24.
- Where
- India; the representation was submitted to the Director General of the Sports Authority of India.
- Why
- The shooters allege that financial demands and altered selection criteria affected the team chosen for the Games.
Shooters’ allegations
PCI’s response
Selection integrity
Shooters’ allegations
The shooters allege officials demanded a 20 per cent share of government cash awards and manipulated qualifying scores and quota places.
PCI’s response
Jhajharia says the selections were fair, based on prescribed criteria, and consistent with Sports Ministry guidelines.
Athlete selection
Shooters’ allegations
Sandeep Kumar alleges that Rudrankksh Khandelwal was selected ahead of himself and Akash, whom he identifies as the Asian No. 1.
PCI’s response
Jhajharia rejects the claim of discrimination and denies that Sandeep was dropped in favour of a shooter linked to the coach.
- Competition
- Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games
- Games dates
- October 18–24
- Alleged payment demand
- 20 per cent of athletes’ government cash awards
- International quota places
- The representation alleges two of India’s 15 places were surrendered.
- Representation submitted to
- Director General of the Sports Authority of India
- PCI response
- President Devendra Jhajharia says selections followed prescribed criteria and Sports Ministry guidelines.
- Possible legal action
- The shooters say they may approach the High Court under Article 226.
