Sandeep Kumar, ranked third in Asia, filed a formal representation to the Sports Authority of India, accusing the selection panel of demanding 20% of athletes' government cash awards as a precondition for team inclusion. The document, signed by 12 other shooters, calls for an independent probe into alleged financial corruption and manipulation by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee (STC).
The representation claims that of the 15 international quota places earmarked for India, two were forfeited because athletes refused to comply with the so‑called "kickback" demand. The shooters also argue that the qualification scores were altered and that the final selection panel was reshuffled without proper justification.
PCI president Devendra Jhajharia, a two‑time Paralympic gold medallist, slammed the accusations as "false" and insisted that the team was chosen strictly on the basis of performance and ministry guidelines. He added that no discrimination took place and that the selection process was 100% fair.
A source from the Sports Ministry said the grievances would be examined, but clarified that the para‑team for the games had already been finalized and could not be changed at this stage. The ministry also hinted at a possible court‑monitored investigation if the athletes decide to file a writ.
With the Aichi‑Nagoya Para Asian Games slated to kick off on October 18, the controversy hangs over the athletes' preparations and could influence the composition of the squad before the first match in Nagoya.