Sports/Alive News: Indian para-swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh has reportedly been deported from Japan following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female housekeeping staff member at a hotel in Nagoya. The incident has also raised questions about the conduct of India’s contingent at the Asian Para Games 2026.
According to reports, the alleged incident took place on October 19, while Shaikh was sent back to India on October 20. The matter came to light publicly on Thursday.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is reportedly considering disciplinary action against the 40-year-old swimmer, including a possible lifetime ban, according to The Times of India. However, the allegations should not be treated as a proven offence unless established through the appropriate process.
What Happened at the Nagoya Hotel?
According to details attributed to officials associated with the Indian contingent, the local organising committee informed India’s Chef de Mission about an alleged incident involving a female hotel housekeeping employee.
Japanese police reportedly took the Indian athlete into custody after the complaint. When Indian team officials reached the hotel, police personnel and hotel management were present.
Officials were reportedly informed that the athlete had inappropriately touched the woman, made obscene gestures and attempted to force himself on her. These claims remain allegations, and no final judicial finding has been cited in the reports provided.
Indian Contingent Asked to Submit Written Apology
Following the complaint, Japanese police reportedly took Shaikh to a police station and considered pursuing formal legal proceedings. The local organising committee subsequently intervened in the matter.
According to reports, the Indian contingent was asked to submit a written apology to the woman and arrange for the athlete’s immediate return to India. Shaikh was reportedly shifted to another hotel for the night before being sent back to India on October 20.
The reported deportation and the possibility of disciplinary action have brought the conduct of athletes representing India at international sporting events into focus.
Who Is Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh?
Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh is originally from Bihar’s Madhubani district and lives with his family in Mumbai’s Dharavi area. He has represented India in international para-swimming competitions and has previously held the world number-one ranking in the men’s 100m butterfly S5 and 50m breaststroke SB4 events.
Shaikh also competed at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta. Last year, he won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Reykjavik International Games, reportedly setting Indian and Asian records.
The reported incident could have serious consequences for his sporting career if the PCI initiates disciplinary proceedings and decides to impose a ban. Any final action will depend on the findings and the applicable disciplinary process.
