Skipped Para Asiad cyclists plan protest, sports ministry firm on criteria

Cyclists who have been left out of the upcoming Para-Asian Games have decided to stage a protest against the sports ministry’s moves. The SAI has cleared only one para cyclist for the upcoming Games in Japan, adhering to its long-standing selection criteria. Disgruntled cyclists plan to hold a protest on the spot

Cyclists dropped from India’s Para Asian Games team have raised allegations of discrimination, but the SAI says the selection was purely based on performance. Arshad Shaik, a Paralympian, is the only cyclist to have received the ministry’s approval for the Games, which begin in Aichi-Nagoya on October 18. This is the second time athletes have complained about the selection process for the Para Asiad.

Earlier on Wednesday, The para-gunners sought an urgent independent investigation to alleged financial corruption, extortion and manipulation in the selection process for the Para-Asian Games.

Cyclists protesting the selection are expected to meet Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) CEO NS Johale at the SAI office, where they plan to present their grievances and seek clarity on the selection process.

“All this time we were in Leh preparing for the Asian Para Games, we didn’t even know that our names were left out,” road cyclist Prashant Arkal, who is one of those left out, told PTI.

“The government approval lists only one athlete for para-cycling, even though we spent from our own pocket to meet the eligibility criteria,” Arkal said.

Apart from Arkal, other cyclists who have been left out are Pavan Kumar Kommoji, Sameer, Vasani Babubhai, Shashruti Vinayak Nakade and Lisha Das.

While the ministry is yet to officially announce the final Indian contingent for the Asian Para Games, PTI says the 128-member team spanning eight sports has received approval.

SAI IS NOT READY TO FALL

According to SAI, Arshad is the only athlete who meets the prescribed selection standards. He finished fourth in a field of nine at this year’s Asian Para Road Championship before placing fifth among the eight entrants in the 1km time trial at the Asian Para Track Championship.

“Finishing fourth in a field of four cannot be considered selection. They are being misled by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI),” a SAI source told PTI.

According to the world rankings published till February this year, India was sixth among Asian nations in men’s para-cycling and fourth in women’s.

According to the Asian Para Games qualification rules, countries ranked between fourth and sixth are allocated four places in the men’s category and three in the women’s category through the Combined Nations Ranking.

“But the thing is, even if you reach the quota by finishing eighth in a field of nine, that doesn’t mean you deserve selection. Then it defeats the purpose of the selection criteria,” the source added.

Also on the list recommended by the CFI was young cyclist Lisha Das, who had earlier competed at the Commonwealth Games amid controversy. She claimed that she was not provided with female support staff at the event and was forced to compete while dealing with considerable mental and emotional pressure.

So far, India’s Para Asian Games cycling record stands at just one medal, a bronze.

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