Para-shooters allege corruption in Asian Games selection; PCI chief says process ‘100% fair’

The selection of the Indian para-shooting team for the Aichi-Nagoya Para-Asian Games has been clouded by controversy after a group of para-shooters alleged corruption and financial rigor in the selection process.The shooters demanded an independent investigation into what they described as financial corruption, blackmail and manipulation by officials of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee (STC).In a statement submitted to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) director general on Wednesday, the athletes alleged “illegal extortion”, “brazen corruption” and violation of sports ministry guidelines.The Para-Asian Games are scheduled to take place from October 18 to 24.

Shooters say the demand is 20 percent

One of the most serious allegations in the national team was that athletes were asked to give 20 percent of their government monetary rewards as a condition for selection to the national team.“The athletes are under strong pressure to pay an illegal commission of 20 percent of their approved government prize money to designated committee members as a mandatory condition for national team selection,” the national team said.The shooters also claimed that international quotas were not allotted based on rankings and performances alone. They claimed that financial considerations played a role in deciding who got the vacancies.According to their representation, two of the 15 international quota places available to India have been given up as other athletes in line have reportedly refused to meet the financial requirements. The athletes also accused the selection committee of changing the qualifying scores, ignoring the sports ministry’s criteria and replacing the earlier selection committee without giving any reason.

Sandeep Kumar argues that selection bias

SH1 P4 50m Free Pistol shooter Sandeep Kumar, third in Asia, also questioned the selection decision. He claimed that Rudrankksh Khandelwal, ranked 14th in Asia, was picked ahead of Akash, Asia’s number one, and him. Sandeep said he was “deeply saddened” by what he described as arbitrary decisions and violations of selection rules.The shooters also challenged the appointment of an individual as technical expert and director of operations, claiming that the person had no record of participating in an official shooting event.

PCI denies all allegations

PCI President Devendra Jhajharia vehemently denied the allegations and said the team was selected strictly as per the prescribed rules.“The selection was done as per the criteria. There was no discrimination against anyone. The selection is 100 per cent fair and as per the guidelines of the sports ministry,” Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in javelin, told PTI.Jhajharia also dismissed Sandeep’s claim that he was dropped to make way for a shooter who had connections with the coach.“These are all false allegations,” Jhajharia said.

The ministry says it will investigate the complaints

A Sports Ministry source said genuine complaints raised by para-shooters would be investigated. However, the source added that the Indian squad for the Para Asian Games has already been finalized and cannot be changed at this stage.The shooters also indicated that they may go to court if their charges are not resolved.They said they can approach the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution to seek an injunction and judicial review of the tender.