In a decisive administrative action taken ahead of the upcoming international multi-sport event, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports officially removed chief para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from India's official contingent for the Para Asian Games on October 14, 2026. Official statements issued by executive sports administrators confirmed that the disciplinary decision followed internal evaluations and administrative reviews regarding contingent management guidelines and code-of-conduct protocols surrounding national coaching personnel. Senior officials at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) emphasized that maintaining administrative discipline and ensuring an uncompromised training environment for competing athletes remains paramount during final pre-tournament preparations. Alternate coaching staff and specialized technical support personnel were immediately mobilized to assume direct supervision of the national para-shooting squad to ensure training routines and equipment calibrations proceed without operational disruption. Sports policy experts and veteran para-athletes commended the ministry's swift regulatory intervention, observing that transparent administrative accountability safeguards team morale and ensures Indian contingent members remain fully focused on securing podium finishes at the continental games.

Ministry Steps In Following High-Drama Protests at Official Send-Off

Actioning complaints regarding transparency and financial ethics in national squad selections, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports dropped chief para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from the Indian Para Asian Games delegation.

The intervention followed public demonstrations staged by unselected shooters—led by top-ranked athletes including Sandeep Kumar and Akash—who protested outside the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters and disrupted the contingent's official send-off ceremony in New Delhi.

Overview: Key Parameters of the Para Asian Games Contingent & Selection Crisis

ParameterOfficial Details & Sanctioned Specifications
Primary ActionRemoval of Coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from Official Contingent
Replacement CoachJeevan L. Rai (Named National Para-Shooting Coach)
Sanctioned Contingent166 Athletes (275 total delegation including support staff)
Target EventPara Asian Games 2026 • Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (Oct 18 Onwards)
Primary Allegations20% cash award commission demands, trial score changes, & favoritism

Allegations of Score Manipulation and Commission Demands

During their protest, aggrieved shooters met Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to present documentary evidence alleging that national trial scores were altered and international ranking criteria bypassed to benefit preferred athletes.

Para-Shooting Selection Dispute & Action Sequence: ------------------------------------------------- National Trial Irregularity Claims ──> Public Athlete Protest & Minister Appeal ──> Ministry Investigation ──> Nautiyal Sacked & Jeevan L. Rai Appointed

The protesters alleged that demands for a 20% commission cut from government cash incentives were made in exchange for squad selection. While Nautiyal denied all accusations—calling them a deliberate conspiracy—the ministry chose to remove him to maintain squad discipline and moral focus ahead of the games.

Final Contingent Cleared for Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Alongside the coaching change, the Ministry sanctioned the final 275-member delegation, comprising 166 athletes, 94 support staff, and 15 administrative officials.

India’s campaign will be led by star Paralympians, including gold-medalist shooter Avani Lekhara, shuttler Pramod Bhagat, table tennis star Bhavina Patel, and archer Sheetal Devi. The team aims to eclipse its historic 108-medal haul achieved at the previous Asian Para Games.