India’s para-cyclists, who have been omitted from the upcoming Asian Para Games, have been protesting outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. The demand is simple. They want an explanation from officials for their omission. A source close to the developments pointed out that the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) has neglected the para-cyclists, refused to fund their qualification campaign, and left five (out of six) riders off the final contingent list.
A joint selection committee (CFI and Paralympic Committee of India) recommended six cyclists, but only one was selected for the final contingent for the Asian Para Games.
The athletes on the list were Arshad Shaikh (MC2), Sameer (MC4), Prashant Arkal (MH4), Pavan Kumar Kommoji (MC3), Vishva Vasani (WC3) and Lisha Das (WC4).
On Saturday, several athletes were left dehydrated after hours in the sun. The cyclists stayed at the venue until 4 pm. Getting food, water or transport was difficult because of the CJP protests. It was also nearly impossible to book cabs.
According to the source, the para-cyclists received no financial support from officials during the qualification cycle, even though each competition can cost Rs 15–17 lakh in equipment alone. The source claimed that, in the case of one female para-cyclist, officials have been accused of claiming that the category had too few competitors to justify sending her.
It is also being alleged that the CFI is trying to divide the group.
The stakes for the para-cyclists go beyond a single event. India is currently sixth in the Asian men’s para-cycling rankings. Meanwhile, India is fourth in the women’s section.
The five excluded para-cyclists have filed a case in the Delhi High Court, questioning the decision of CFI and PCI. It is expected to hear the matter on October 12. Any changes to the contingent list would become clear only after the hearing.
The cyclists plan to resume their protest at the stadium on Sunday at 11 am.
