Sports Ministry Removes Controversial Para-Shooting Coach from Asian Para Games Team
The Sports Ministry has decided to remove Jai Prakash Nautiyal, the para-shooting coach, from India’s team heading to the Asian Para Games due to ongoing controversies surrounding his selection practices. This decision comes as part of the approval for a 166-member athlete squad, which was finalized after protests erupted from both shooters and cyclists over the selection process. The squad was revealed just five days after the official send-off ceremony in New Delhi.
Replacing Nautiyal is long-time national coach Jeevan L Rai, who steps in as the Games prepare to kick off in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 18. Nautiyal faced serious accusations, including failing to adhere to established selection criteria and allegedly demanding bribes for athlete selections. These claims spurred protests from para-shooters, leading to calls for his removal.
Shooters Rally for Change
In response to the situation, a group of shooters gathered outside the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters, demanding Nautiyal’s dismissal and a thorough investigation into the allegations against him. They also approached Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to voice their concerns after trying to disrupt the contingent’s send-off ceremony last week.
The Ministry’s decision to part ways with Nautiyal follows significant objections from athletes regarding the selection process for the Asian Para Games, which has been marred by claims of irregularities.
The full delegation for the Games will consist of 275 members, including 94 team officials and support staff, spanning 10 sports disciplines.
Para-Athletics Leads the Delegation
The largest segment of the athlete contingent will be para-athletics, featuring 62 athletes, 46 of whom are men, supported by a team of 36. Notably, visually impaired sprinter Simran, a world championships medalist, is part of the squad. After her previous guide, Umar Saifi, was caught in a doping scandal, she will now compete alongside a new guide, Shivam.
Despite protests from excluded cyclists, the Ministry has stood firm against adding last-minute entries to the para-cycling team, allowing only Paralympian Arshad Shaik, who met the selection criteria, to join the squad.
Among those representing India in table tennis is Paralympic silver medalist Bhavina Patel. The badminton team, consisting of 28 members—17 men and 11 women—will be led by former world number one and Tokyo Paralympic gold medalist Pramod Bhagat, along with former silver medalist Suhas Yathiraj, supported by a team of 11 staff.
Furthermore, armless compound archer Sheetal Devi, a two-time gold medalist at the previous Para Asian Games, stands out as one of India’s top medal prospects. Joining her is 18-year-old Payal Nag, who recently drew attention by defeating Sheetal at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok.
The para-shooting squad, which ignited the recent selection controversy, includes notable names like Paralympic gold medalist Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal, who recently secured a spot for India at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics by winning silver at the World Championships in South Korea.
