India Approves 166 Athletes for Asian Para Games as Shooting Coach Is Replaced

India’s preparations for the 2026 Asian Para Games have taken a significant turn, with the Union Sports Ministry approving a contingent of 166 athletes and removing para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from the Games-bound team. Long-serving national coach Jeevan L Rai has replaced Nautiyal in the contingent.

The decision follows protests by para-shooters and para-cyclists over alleged irregularities in the selection process. The Asian Para Games are scheduled to begin on October 18 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Coach Replaced Following Selection Controversy

Nautiyal had faced allegations from athletes concerning the selection process, including claims that established criteria were not followed and that money was sought in exchange for selection. Several para-shooters protested outside the Sports Authority of India headquarters and sought his removal and an investigation.

Nautiyal denied the accusations, while the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) maintained that the squad had been selected on merit. The claims should not be treated as established facts unless substantiated by an official investigation or other reliable evidence.

The Ministry’s decision to remove Nautiyal from the contingent comes amid mounting scrutiny of how athletes were selected for the continental event.

Para-Cycling Selection Also Draws Objections

The selection process also prompted objections from para-cyclists who were not included in the final contingent. Reports said Paralympian Arshad Shaik was the cyclist approved for the Games, while other athletes challenged their exclusion.

The dispute has raised questions about selection criteria and how concerns from athletes are handled close to a major international competition. Any further changes to the approved contingent should be confirmed through official announcements.

India Turns Focus to the Games

With the Games approaching, the approved contingent will now focus on competition preparations in Japan. The event is scheduled to run from October 18 to 24 in Aichi-Nagoya.

The immediate priorities will be athlete preparation, team coordination and clarity around the selection-related concerns. Further developments should be reported with careful attribution as official responses or investigation findings become available.

Sources

1. NDTV Sports — “Sports Ministry Approves 166 Athletes For Para Asian Games, Removes Controversial Shooting Coach” (October 13, 2026): https://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2026/sports-ministry-approves-166-athletes-for-para-asian-games-removes-controversial-shooting-coach-12178939

2. ThePrint / PTI — “Sports Ministry approves 166 athletes for Para Asian Games; removes controversial shooting coach” (October 13, 2026): https://theprint.in/sport/sports-ministry-approves-166-athletes-for-para-asian-games-removes-controversial-shooting-coach/3070217/

3. India Today — “Controversial coach sacked as India announce 166-member squad for Asian Para Games” (October 13, 2026): https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/other-sports/story/india-asian-para-games-squad-3016323-2026-10-13