Indian para-shooters staged a protest against the Paralympic Committee of India in New Delhi on Thursday, staging the demonstration during the official send-off ceremony for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.
The shooters gathered outside the ITC Maurya hotel, where the ceremony was held, holding placards. SH1 category para-shooters Sandeep Kumar and Aakash alleged unfair selection practices and a last-minute change in policy ahead of the Games, which are scheduled from October 18 to 24, 2026.
Ceremony goes ahead amid protest
The demonstration unfolded alongside a ceremony organised by the PCI, in which Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the new Team India jersey and formally flagged off the Indian contingent for Japan. Several prominent para-athletes and officials attended, including PCI president Devendra Jhajharia.
Responding to the protest, Jhajharia said the committee was in constant communication with athletes and had discussed their concerns. "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," he said.
Flag bearers named
The PCI also confirmed that Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will lead the Indian contingent as flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on October 18.
The selection controversy adds an uneasy note to India's preparations for the fifth edition of the Asian Para Games, where the country's para-athletes have been among its most consistent medal winners.
Sources:
- Indian para-shooters protest against PCI ahead of Asian Para Games 2026 — The Tribune (ANI)
The shooters gathered outside the ITC Maurya hotel, where the ceremony was held, holding placards. SH1 category para-shooters Sandeep Kumar and Aakash alleged unfair selection practices and a last-minute change in policy ahead of the Games, which are scheduled from October 18 to 24, 2026.
Ceremony goes ahead amid protest
The demonstration unfolded alongside a ceremony organised by the PCI, in which Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the new Team India jersey and formally flagged off the Indian contingent for Japan. Several prominent para-athletes and officials attended, including PCI president Devendra Jhajharia.
Responding to the protest, Jhajharia said the committee was in constant communication with athletes and had discussed their concerns. "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," he said.
Flag bearers named
The PCI also confirmed that Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will lead the Indian contingent as flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on October 18.
The selection controversy adds an uneasy note to India's preparations for the fifth edition of the Asian Para Games, where the country's para-athletes have been among its most consistent medal winners.
Sources:
- Indian para-shooters protest against PCI ahead of Asian Para Games 2026 — The Tribune (ANI)
