Ban threat on para shooters for challenging PCI in court

NEW DELHI: With India’s Asian Para Games preparations already marred by selection disputes and court battles, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has landed in another controversy over a para shooting policy that threatens athletes with lengthy bans for challenging its decisions in court.A clause in the PCI governing body-approved 2026-27 national selection policy for para shooting prescribes a three-year ban if a shooter or their parents initiate legal action against the association and the case is dismissed. A repeat offence could invite a lifetime ban, according to the 16-page policy, a copy of which is with TOI.“Any para shooters/coaches/parents going to the courts or taking any legal action against the association and further if the case is dismissed by the court, the para shooter would be banned for at least three years and in case of repeated offence, ban could go for lifetime as well,” the clause states.The provision raises questions about athletes’ right to seek judicial redress in selection disputes, potentially exposing para shooters to severe sporting sanctions for challenging the PCI’s decisions.A senior PCI official told TOI that the clause was damaging and should never have been included. The official said directions had been issued to amend the policy and that a corrigendum would be uploaded. However, since the policy was approved by the governing body, a formal amendment may be necessary.It is learnt that some shooters unhappy with their exclusion from the Asian Para Games squad refrained from approaching the courts for fear of being banned.Boccia dropped, contingent shrinks to 10 sportsThe controversy comes amid further reductions in India’s contingent for the Games. After para fencing, boccia has become the latest discipline to be dropped, with the sports ministry withholding clearance for the two-member team of Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi.India, initially scheduled to compete in 12 sports, will now participate in 10. The ministry cleared 166 athletes late Monday evening, taking the delegation’s strength to 275, including 94 team officials and support staff and 15 contingent staff. The Games begin in Nagoya on Oct 18.Para athletics accounts for the largest share of the contingent, with 62 athletes, including 46 men, along with 36 support staff.Para shooting chief coach JP Nautiyal has not received clearance despite representations from nine of the 13 selected shooters. Jeevan L Rai and Rakesh Singh will oversee the team. Nautiyal has faced allegations of violating selection criteria and demanding kickbacks.Cyclists’ hopes end with DRMThe final Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) in Nagoya on Monday has effectively closed the door on additional entries. Para cyclists awaiting court relief against their exclusion will miss the Games even if they secure a favourable order later.Only Arshad Shaik will compete, while six other cyclists selected by the Cycling Federation of India and the PCI were omitted for allegedly failing to meet the prescribed criteria.Baretha questions Suhas’ inclusionPara badminton player Chirag Baretha has questioned the last-minute inclusion of LY Suhas, citing his absence from national and international competition since the Paris Paralympics in 2024.Baretha, a two-time Asian Para Games medallist, was excluded after the ministry ruled that he did not meet the selection criteria.“How a player can be qualified and sanctioned in the events at the Asian Para Games, he has never played a single game in the events he is qualified. Arbitration in sports can be visibly seen with the sanction issued for upcoming Games,” Baretha wrote on X.Manisha Patel, Shashank Kumar, Ammu Beulah Mohan and Rachna Patel were also denied clearance by the ministry.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.