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Sports Ministry Approves 166 Athletes For Para Asian Games After Removing Coach
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News18•13-10-2026, 14:16
Sports Ministry Approves 166 Athletes For Para Asian Games After Removing Coach
- •The Sports Ministry removed controversial para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal and replaced him with Jeevan L Rai following protests over selection controversies.
- •A final list of 166 athletes has been approved for the Para Asian Games starting October 18 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- •India's total delegation of 275 members will compete across 10 disciplines, with para-athletics making up the largest share with 62 athletes.
- •Key medal prospects including Paralympic medallists Bhavina Patel, Pramod Bhagat, Suhas Yathiraj, and world champion Sheetal Devi are part of the squad.
- •The Ministry upheld standards by excluding six cyclists who failed to meet criteria, clearing only top performer Arshad Shaik.
Key Questions Answered
Jai Prakash Nautiyal was removed from the contingent after facing accusations of disregarding selection criteria and seeking kickbacks in exchange for squad selection.
The Para Asian Games are scheduled to begin on October 18, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Veteran national coach Jeevan L Rai has replaced Jai Prakash Nautiyal in the Indian contingent for the upcoming continental event.
