Politics · India Bureau
Para-shooters accuse Indian Olympic body of corruption in Asian Games selection
Indian para-shooters have demanded an independent inquiry into alleged financial extortion and manipulation in the selection process for the Para Asian Games, allegations the Paralympic Committee of India firmly denies.
LSN India ·
A group of para-shooting athletes have levelled serious charges against India's Paralympic Committee and its Shooting Technical Committee, alleging widespread corruption in the athlete selection process for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games scheduled for October 18-24.
In a formal representation submitted to the Sports Authority of India's Director General on Wednesday, the shooters alleged that officials engaged in "illicit monetary extortion" and "brazen corruption" while violating Sports Ministry guidelines. The athletes claim they faced pressure to surrender 20 per cent of government cash awards as a condition for selection. The representation also accused officials of manipulating international quota allocations and qualifying scores to favour particular shooters.
The Paralympic Committee of India has rejected all allegations, asserting that team selection was conducted entirely on merit-based criteria. The organisation has not released detailed statements addressing the specific claims but maintains that its selection process adhered to established protocols.
The dispute highlights tensions within India's para-sports administration as the nation prepares to field athletes for one of Asia's premier adaptive sporting events. The outcome of any independent inquiry could have significant implications for athlete confidence in selection procedures and the credibility of India's Paralympic programme.