Para-shooters allege corruption in Asian Games selection

Indian para-shooters have sought an urgent independent inquiry into alleged financial corruption, extortion and manipulation in the selection process for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games, scheduled from October 18 to 24. In a representation to the Sports Authority of India on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, they accused Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) officials of demanding a 20 per cent commission from government cash awards as a precondition for selection.

The shooters also alleged that international wild-card slots were allocated based on financial considerations rather than ranking, and that two of India's 15 quota places were surrendered because the next-ranked athletes refused to pay. They accused the selection committee of discarding prescribed ministry criteria and manipulating qualifying scores. Sandeep Kumar, ranked third in Asia, alleged bias, claiming Rudrankksh Khandelwal, ranked 14th, was selected ahead of the Asian No. 1, Akash.

PCI president Devendra Jhajharia rejected the allegations, saying the selection was '100 per cent fair' and based on merit. A Sports Ministry source said grievances would be addressed but noted the selection was finalised. The shooters have threatened to approach the High Court under Article 226 for a court-monitored investigation.