Published:
New Delhi, October 10, 2026: A group of Indian para-shooters met Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday, October 9, to raise concerns about the selection process for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games in Japan.
The meeting followed protests by athletes who alleged favouritism, irregularities in selection and inappropriate financial demands involving officials associated with para-shooting. The dispute intensified during the Indian contingent's send-off ceremony on October 8.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the team was selected according to established criteria and merit. The Sports Ministry has indicated that discussions are under way to address the concerns raised by the athletes.
The controversy centres on the selection of India's para-shooting contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, scheduled for October 18–24, 2026.
Several athletes questioned why they had been left out despite their claimed rankings and performances. The protesters also raised concerns about the application of selection criteria and the handling of quota places.
According to reporting by The Indian Express and other outlets, more than ten athletes and coaches protested at the send-off ceremony in New Delhi on October 8. They sought answers about the selection decisions and called for the authorities to investigate their complaints.
The allegations remain disputed and have not been established as findings of an independent investigation.
Some protesting athletes alleged that officials had sought financial payments connected to government cash awards as a condition for selection.
In a representation submitted to the Sports Authority of India, the athletes reportedly alleged that a percentage of sanctioned cash awards had been demanded. They also questioned whether the selection process complied with the applicable sports ministry guidelines.
These are serious allegations, but they remain claims made by the athletes. They should not be treated as proven misconduct without an independent inquiry or other authoritative findings.
Mandaviya met representatives of the protesting para-shooters on October 9 after the dispute became public.
A ministry source told PTI, as reported by Deccan Chronicle, that the minister had listened to the athletes and that discussions were continuing on how best to address the situation.
The meeting represents an opportunity for the athletes to present their concerns directly to the government. However, the available reports do not establish that the selection list has been changed or that a formal independent inquiry has been completed.
The PCI has maintained that the team was selected on merit and in accordance with its selection policy.
Officials have also pointed to the reduced number of available places for the Asian Para Games as a factor complicating selection. The reduction in the contingent's allocation meant that several athletes could not be included.
The committee's position differs from that of the protesting athletes, who argue that the criteria were not applied fairly.
A definitive assessment of the dispute will require examination of the published selection criteria, trial results, quota allocations and the evidence presented by the athletes.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games are scheduled to take place in Japan from October 18 to 24, 2026.
The selection dispute has emerged shortly before the competition, placing attention on the process used to select India's para-sport athletes.
Resolving the concerns transparently would help clarify the selection decisions and allow athletes and officials to focus on preparations for the Games.
At the time of the latest reports reviewed, the outcome of the minister's discussions and any formal investigation remained unclear.
The key developments to watch are:
Whether the Sports Ministry announces a formal review or inquiry.
Whether the PCI publishes further details about the selection criteria and decisions.
Whether the athletes receive a written response to their complaints.
Whether any official findings or corrective measures are announced before the Games.
SportsLine.news will update this report when an official decision or further verified information becomes available.
1. Mid-day — Protesting para-shooters meet sports minister
Publisher: Mid-day
URL: https://www.mid-day.com/amp/sports/other-sports/article/protesting-para-shooters-meet-sports-minister-23654292
Supports: The meeting between the protesting para-shooters and the Sports Minister, as indicated by the supplied report.
2. Deccan Chronicle — Para-Shooters Meet Sports Minister, Allege Corruption in PCI
Publisher: Deccan Chronicle / PTI
URL: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/protesting-para-shooters-meet-sports-minister-allege-corruption-in-pci-1994405
Supports: The October 9 meeting, the athletes' allegations and the ministry's reported response.
3. Rediff Sports / PTI — Para-Shooters Allege Corruption, Meet Sports Minister Mandaviya
Publisher: Rediff Sports
URL: https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/para-shooters-protest-corruption-in-para-asian-games-selection/20261009.htm
Supports: The selection dispute, the meeting with Mandaviya and the concerns raised by the athletes.
4. The Indian Express — Para-shooters allege favouritism in selection; claim official demanded money
Publisher: The Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/para-shooters-protest-at-asian-games-send-off-ceremony-due-to-selection-mess-10912485/
Supports: The protest at the send-off ceremony, allegations attributed to individual athletes and the response from the accused official.
