Para-Shooters Seek Probe Into Selection Process, Allege Corruption And Financial Demands

A selection controversy has erupted in India’s para-shooting camp ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games, with a group of shooters alleging financial corruption, manipulation of selection criteria and irregularities in the allocation of international quota places. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), however, has rejected the charges and maintained that the team was selected entirely on merit.

In a representation to the Director General of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the shooters sought an urgent independent inquiry into what they called “brazen corruption” and “illicit monetary extortion” involving PCI officials and its Shooting Technical Committee.

The shooters alleged that athletes were being pressured to pay 20 per cent of their government cash awards as a condition for selection. They also claimed that international wild-card slots were influenced by financial considerations rather than rankings and performances.

The representation alleged that India surrendered two of its 15 international quota places after athletes who were next in ranking refused to meet the alleged demands. The shooters further accused officials of manipulating qualifying scores, ignoring Sports Ministry criteria and replacing an earlier selection panel without recorded justification.

Sandeep Kumar, a P4 50m free pistol SH1 shooter ranked third in Asia, also alleged bias in selection. He claimed Rudrankksh Khandelwal, ranked 14th in Asia, was chosen ahead of him and Asian No. 1 Akash.

PCI president Devendra Jhajharia rejected the allegations, saying the selection was conducted according to the prescribed criteria and Sports Ministry guidelines.

“There has been no discrimination against anyone. The selections are 100 per cent fair,” Jhajharia told PTI, dismissing Sandeep’s allegation that he was dropped in favour of a shooter linked to the coach as"false ".

The shooters have warned that they could approach the High Court under Article 226 if their complaints are not addressed, seeking a writ of mandamus and a court-monitored investigation. The Para Asian Games are scheduled from October 18 to 24.