The Sports Ministry has removed para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from India’s Asian Para Games-bound contingent and approved a 166-member athlete squad following a controversy over the selection process.
The decision comes five days after the contingent was officially flagged off in New Delhi, with protests by para-shooters and cyclists raising concerns over the selection procedure.
Long-serving national coach Jeevan L Rai has replaced Nautiyal in the contingent for the Games, which begin in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 18.
Nautiyal had faced allegations of violating established selection criteria and demanding kickbacks in exchange for selecting athletes. The allegations triggered protests by para-shooters and calls for his removal.
The controversy cast a shadow over India’s preparations for the continental para-sports event, prompting demands for accountability in the selection process.
With the revised contingent approved, the Indian team will now turn its focus to the Games, as athletes prepare to compete against Asia’s best para-athletes in Japan.
