Indian para swimmer deported by Japan after sexual misconduct allegations

Indian para swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh has been deported by Japan following allegations of sexual misconduct at the Asian Para Games. The Paralympic Committee of India is reportedly considering a lifetime ban as further details of the complaint emerge.

In Short

• Indian para swimmer Md Shams Aalam Shaikh sent back from Japan over sexual harassment allegations
• Incident involved female hotel employee during housekeeping duties in Nagoya
• Paralympic Committee of India considering lifetime ban against 40-year-old swimmer

Indian para swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh has been sent back to India after being detained by Japanese police following allegations of sexual harassment and molestation involving a female hotel employee. The incident has embarrassed India's Asian Para Games contingent in Nagoya, with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) reportedly considering a lifetime ban against the 40-year-old swimmer.

According to a source within the Indian delegation, the alleged incident took place on Monday at the hotel where the Indian para-swimming team was staying. A female housekeeping employee was reportedly carrying out her duties in Shaikh's room when the alleged misconduct occurred. The complaint was subsequently brought to the attention of the local organising committee and Indian delegation officials.

Asian Para Games 2026, October 22: UPDATES

Shaikh was detained by Japanese police following the complaint and was sent back to India on Tuesday, a day after the alleged incident. The PCI is reportedly considering disciplinary action, including a possible lifetime ban, with a formal decision expected after the Games. Shaikh was due to compete in scheduled events at the Asian Para Games but was sent home without taking part.

WHAT IS SHAIKH ALAM ACCUSED OF?

Shaikh faces allegations of sexually harassing and molesting a female hotel employee while she was carrying out housekeeping duties in his room. According to the information provided by a source within the Indian delegation, the complaint led to police intervention at the hotel.

The incident also drew the attention of the local organising committee, which informed Indian officials about the matter.

The PCI is expected to review the case after the Games, with officials considering stringent disciplinary action. A lifetime ban has been proposed, but a final decision is yet to be taken.

WHO IS SHAMS ALAM SHAIKH?

Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, 40, is a para swimmer from Bihar who has represented India at several international competitions. He previously held the world No. 1 ranking in the men's 100m butterfly S5 and 50m breaststroke SB4 categories, according to World Para Swimming records.

Shaikh represented India at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, where he won gold medals in the 200m and 50m breaststroke events. He also won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Reykjavik International Games in 2025, setting Indian and Asian records.

The 2026 edition in Nagoya was set to be his third consecutive appearance at the Asian Para Games.

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