Sandeep Kumar, the Asian para‑shooting rank #3, led a protest outside the send‑off ceremony for the Indian contingent heading to the Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Para Games, accusing the Paralympic Committee of corruption.
Ten shooters, including top‑ranked Akash and 14th‑ranked Rudransh Khandelwal, marched on the venue’s porch, chanting slogans and demanding a transparent selection process.
PCI president Devendra Jhajharia and coach Satyanarayana tried to calm the crowd, insisting the team was chosen on merit and prescribed criteria, but the athletes held firm.
Sandeep alleged that coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal demanded a 20% commission from government cash awards in exchange for selection, while Akash claimed the top‑six guideline was ignored as the team included shooters with no international experience.
The protestors have filed a representation with the Sports Authority of India, calling for an independent inquiry into alleged ‘illicit monetary extortion’ and manipulation of qualifying scores.
With the Games slated to begin on Oct. 18, the controversy could force PCI to revisit its selection procedures before the athletes take to the range.