Para-Shooters Allege 20% Kickback Demand In Asian Games Selection, PCI Denies Corruption Charges

Para-shooters in India have lodged a formal complaint with the Sports Authority of India, alleging widespread financial corruption, coercion, and manipulation in the selection process for the upcoming Para Asian Games. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) vehemently denies these claims, insisting that all selections were made solely on merit and in accordance with Ministry guidelines.

According to the shooters, officials pressured them into paying a 20% commission on government cash awards as a condition for team selection. They also claim that international quota places were unfairly allocated based on financial considerations rather than performance rankings. Two of the available 15 international quotas were allegedly surrendered because top-ranked athletes refused to comply with these demands.

Additionally, the shooters accuse the selection committee of disregarding official selection criteria, manipulating qualifying scores, and replacing the initial panel without proper justification. The shooters, led by Sandeep Kumar, a top-ranked P4 50m free pistol SH1 shooter, assert that they were unfairly disadvantaged due to alleged bias and violations of selection rules.

The PCI president, Devendra Jhajharia, strongly refutes these allegations, emphasizing that the selection process was transparent, fair, and adhered strictly to the Sports Ministry's guidelines. The affected athletes have threatened legal action, including a potential High Court intervention under Article 226 of the Constitution, if their grievances remain unaddressed.