Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
India names 166 athletes for Asian Para Games and replaces shooting coach
India will send 166 athletes to the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the Games due to begin on October 18.
The Sports Ministry replaced para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal with national coach Jeevan L Rai after allegations that Nautiyal ignored selection rules and sought kickbacks; he has been accused, not found guilty.
Para-shooters protested and asked for an investigation, while cyclists also objected to how teams were selected.
The controversy came as India finalised its squad after a selection process that drew complaints from both sports.
The Ministry kept most omitted cyclists out of the squad, approving only Arshad Shaik, whom it said met the selection criteria and performed best among those in contention.
India's delegation will have 275 members, including 94 team officials and support staff and 15 contingent staff, across 10 sports.
The team now heads to Japan for the Games, where para-athletics is India's largest athlete group, with 62 competitors.
India has named 166 athletes for the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and replaced para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal with Jeevan L Rai.
The Sports Ministry announced the squad after a selection process that drew objections from para-shooters and para-cyclists.
Shooters accused Nautiyal of ignoring selection criteria and demanding kickbacks, allegations that led to protests and calls for his removal.
India’s 275-member delegation will include 94 team officials and support staff and 15 contingent staff across 10 disciplines.
The Games begin on October 18.
- Who
- India’s 166 athletes, including para-shooters and para-cyclists, will compete; Jeevan L Rai replaces coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal in the contingent.
- What
- India announced its Asian Para Games squad and replaced its para-shooting coach.
- When
- The squad was announced on October 13, 2026. The Games begin on October 18.
- Where
- The Games are in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Why
- The coach was removed after allegations and protests over the selection process. The sources do not state the Ministry’s reason for replacing him.
Para-shooters and omitted para-cyclists
Sports Ministry
Selection process
Para-shooters and omitted para-cyclists
Shooters alleged that coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal did not follow established criteria and demanded kickbacks; shooters and cyclists also objected to how squads were finalised.
Sports Ministry
The Ministry removed Nautiyal and resisted calls to add more cyclists, approving one cyclist who it said met the selection criteria.
Para-cycling selections
Para-shooters and omitted para-cyclists
Omitted cyclists protested and sought additions to the squad.
Sports Ministry
The Ministry approved Paralympian Arshad Shaik and said six other selected cyclists were omitted for failing to meet the criteria.
Shooters attempted to disrupt the contingent’s send-off ceremony and met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to present their grievances.
The contingent was officially flagged off in New Delhi.
The Sports Ministry announced the 166-athlete squad and replaced Jai Prakash Nautiyal with Jeevan L Rai.
The Asian Para Games are scheduled to begin in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Athletes
- 166
- Total delegation
- 275 members
- Disciplines
- 10
- Largest athlete contingent
- Para-athletics, with 62 competitors
- Para-shooting squad
- 13 athletes
- Para-cycling addition
- Paralympian Arshad Shaik
Sources
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