Indian Para-Athletes Allege Officials Demanded 20% of Government Cash Awards for Team Selection

Indian para shooters staged a protest during a send-off ceremony for the national team ahead of the Asian Para Games*, scheduled for October 18–24 in Japan. More than 10 athletes and coaches challenged the team selection process and accused officials of demanding money in exchange for places on the squad, The Indian Express reports.

The protest took place on October 8 at a hotel in New Delhi. Participants held placards with slogans such as “Those who pay get to go to the Asian Games.”

The athletes also tried to meet India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was attending the ceremony, but hotel security and police escorted them out of the building.

The previous day, the shooters had approached the Sports Authority of India, demanding an independent investigation.

According to the athletes, officials demanded 20% of their government cash awards for sporting achievements in exchange for selection to the national team.

The protesters claimed that India had 15 quota places available for para shooters but selected only 13 athletes. They alleged that the remaining two places went unfilled because the candidates refused to hand over a share of their prize money to officials.

One of the complainants, Sandeep Kumar, cited his own case. He said he ranks third in Asia in the 50m pistol SH1 event, yet Rudransh Khandelwal, who ranks 14th, was selected for the team instead.

Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia rejected the allegations, insisting that selection was based entirely on sporting merit. However, he promised to hear the athletes’ grievances.

One protester said officials had been promising to address the issue for two months, but nothing had changed. The athletes have not ruled out taking legal action if an independent investigation is not launched.

* The Asian Para Games are a major international sporting event for athletes with disabilities from across Asia. Held every four years, they feature athletics, swimming, shooting and other sports.