Asian Para Games 2026At the Asian Para Games currently underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, many Indian athletes have won medals for the country, bringing honor to the nation, its national anthem, and the tricolor. However, amidst this, one Indian para-swimmer has become a source of embarrassment for the country.
Para-swimmer Mohammad Shams Alam Shaikh faces serious allegations of sexual harassment and molestation of a woman in Japan, following which he has been sent back to India.
What is the full story?
According to a report by India Today, a source within the Indian delegation in Japan stated that the incident took place on Monday, October 19. It occurred in the room of the athlete, Shaikh, at the hotel in Nagoya where the Indian para-swimming team was staying.
It is alleged that the Indian para-swimmer committed a shameful act against a female housekeeping staff member while she was in his room performing her cleaning duties.
Arrest, repatriation, and now a ban?
A female staff member lodged a complaint with the local organizing committee, which was subsequently relayed to officials of the Indian contingent. Following the complaint, Japanese police took Shaikh into custody. Just one day after the incident, on Tuesday, October 20, he was sent back to his home country.
Shaikh, one of India’s experienced para-swimmers, may now face severe repercussions. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is considering strict disciplinary action, which could include a lifetime ban. This action will be taken once the Para Games have concluded.
Who is Shams Alam Shaikh?
Mohammad Shams Alam Shaikh is a 40-year-old para-swimmer from Bihar. He has represented India in several international events. Shaikh competed for India at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta.
At those games, he won gold medals in the 200-meter and 50-meter breaststroke events. He was set to participate in the Asian Para Games for the third time, but due to his actions, he was sent home without even getting the chance to compete in his events.
