Indian Para-Shooters Protest Against Selection Policies Ahead of Asian Para Games

Protest by Indian Para-Shooters

In New Delhi, para-shooters from India demonstrated against the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) during the official send-off event for the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games. The protest took place outside the ITC Maurya, where the athletes displayed placards expressing their grievances.

Details of the Upcoming Games

The 5th Asian Para Games are set to occur from October 18 to 24, 2026.

Concerns Over Selection Process

SH1 para-shooters Sandeep Kumar and Aakash voiced their concerns regarding the PCI's selection process, claiming it was unfair and that there were last-minute changes to the policy just before the games.

Response from the Paralympic Committee

During the send-off ceremony, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the new Team India jersey and officially launched the Indian team for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan. The event, organized by the PCI, saw the attendance of notable para-athletes and officials, including PCI president Devendra Jhajharia.

In response to the protest, Jhajharia assured reporters that the committee maintains ongoing communication with the athletes, emphasizing that their concerns are taken seriously. He stated, "We are in constant communication with the athletes; we discuss everything with them. While individual preferences may differ, I feel there was no need for them to stage a protest. They talk to us about every issue. Athletes are our priority."

Flag Bearers for the Games

Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel are set to represent India as flag bearers during the Opening Ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on October 18.