Coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal is out; India has named a 166‑athlete squad for the Asian Para Games. The decision came after a string of protests that rattled the Sports Ministry.
The row began when shooters and cyclists staged demonstrations outside the Sports Authority of India headquarters, accusing Nautiyal of bypassing selection criteria and demanding kickbacks. Athletes marched to the SAI office, demanding his removal and an investigation.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met the aggrieved shooters the week before the send‑off ceremony, listening to their grievances. Meanwhile, the ministry approved the squad, replacing Nautiyal with long‑serving national coach Jeevan L Rai.
The 13‑member shooting squad features Paralympic gold medallist Avani Lekhara and silver‑medallist Mona Agarwal, who won a World Championship silver in Korea. In cycling, only Paralympian Arshad Shaik made the list, while six others were left out for not meeting the criteria.
Para‑athletics brings 62 athletes, including 46 men, and a 36‑member support staff. World Championships medallist Simran will run the 100‑meter sprint with a new guide, Shivam, after her previous guide was caught in a doping case.
Badminton’s 28 players, led by former world No. 1 Pramod Bhagat and Paralympic silver medallist Suhas Yathiraj, will compete across men’s and women’s events. Archery’s 19‑year‑old Sheetal Devi, double gold medallist from last Games, will headline the 10‑discipline roster.
With 94 officials, 15 contingent staff, and a total of 275 personnel, India eyes a strong showing in Japan. The squad’s journey begins on Oct. 18, as the athletes gear up to take on a field of continental rivals.