Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Jhajharia Defends Asian Para Games Selection, Promises Talks With Athletes
Some athletes are unhappy about how India’s team for the Asian Para Games was chosen.
PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said the selection followed the required rules and trials.
He said the rules come from the PCI, the Sports Ministry and other organizers.
He explained that a strong past performance or high world ranking does not automatically mean an athlete will be selected.
The athletes have a right to raise their concerns, he said.
Jhajharia said he had already met some protesting athletes and would meet them again.
He plans to discuss their concerns with the Ministry and the PCI Board.
He did not rule out changes after those talks.
PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said selection criteria set by the committee, Sports Ministry and SAI were followed.
He said selections across athletics, cycling, swimming and shooting were transparent and based on prescribed guidelines.
Protesting athletes have raised concerns, which Jhajharia said would be discussed with the Ministry and the PCI Board.
Jhajharia said past results and world rankings alone do not guarantee selection because trials and set criteria apply.
He said he had met protesting athletes and was open to the possibility of changes after discussions.
- Who
- PCI president Devendra Jhajharia and athletes protesting the selection process.
- What
- Jhajharia defended the selection process for India’s Asian Para Games team and said athlete concerns would be discussed.
- When
- Thursday; no calendar date was specified.
- Where
- The Asian Para Games are to be held in Japan; discussions with athletes and authorities are also planned.
- Why
- Athletes have raised concerns about the composition of the Indian contingent and its selection process.
Athletes’ concerns
PCI’s position
Selection process
Athletes’ concerns
Some athletes are protesting and have raised concerns about the selection process and the Indian contingent’s composition.
PCI’s position
Jhajharia says the process was transparent and followed the prescribed PCI, Ministry and SAI criteria.
Possible changes
Athletes’ concerns
Athletes’ concerns should be heard and discussed, according to Jhajharia’s account of their right to raise issues.
PCI’s position
Jhajharia said no outcome was ruled out, but any consideration would follow discussions with the PCI Board and Ministry.
- Committee
- Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
- PCI president
- Devendra Jhajharia
- Event
- Asian Para Games
- Host country
- Japan
- Sports cited
- Athletics, cycling, swimming and shooting
- Selection factors
- Prescribed trials and criteria; past results or world rankings alone do not ensure selection
- Next steps
- Jhajharia said athlete concerns would be raised with the Ministry and PCI Board