- Shaikh was accused of sexually harassing a female hotel housekeeping employee.
- The 40-year-old swimmer was reportedly sent back on Tuesday, October 20.
- The Paralympic Committee of India is reportedly considering a lifetime ban.
India’s campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026 has been overshadowed by a controversy involving para-swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, who was sent back to India after Japanese police questioned him over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female hotel employee in Nagoya.
The 40-year-old was due to compete at the Games but returned home without taking part in his scheduled events.
The incident has brought an abrupt end to what was expected to be a brilliant appearance for the swimmer from Bihar.
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Just days before the controversy emerged, Shaikh’s journey to his third consecutive Asian Para Games had been highlighted as a story of persistence through training disruptions, injury and uncertainty over selection.
ABSOLUTE SHAME, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!😡 Indian para-swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh has reportedly been detained and deported from Japan following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a hotel staff member during the Asian Para Games 2026. The female staff member was reportedly carrying out his housekeeping duties when she was allegedly touched inappropriately by 40yo Aalam. This is deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable. The Paralympic Committee of India is reportedly considering a lifetime ban, pending a formal hearing. [India Today ]
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) October 22, 2026
What Happened In Japan?
According to reports citing sources 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 reportedly complained of inappropriate conduct while carrying out her duties in Shaikh’s room.
The complaint was brought to the attention of hotel authorities and the local organising committee, following which Japanese police detained the swimmer for questioning. He was sent back to India on Tuesday, according to reports.
The precise legal status and outcome of any Japanese police investigation have not been independently established in the reports available.
The allegations have not been established as a finding of guilt. The distinction is important as the case moves beyond the immediate removal of the athlete from the competition.
A Third Asian Para Games Appearance Cut Short
Shaikh, who hails from Madhubani district in Bihar and lives in Mumbai, had been preparing for his third consecutive appearance at the Asian Para Games. He represented India at the 2018 edition in Jakarta, where he won gold medals in the 50m and 200m breaststroke events.
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He had also previously held the world No. 1 ranking in the men’s 100m butterfly S5 and 50m breaststroke SB4 categories. At the 2026 Games, he was scheduled to compete in the 100m butterfly S5 and 50m breaststroke SB4 events.
His preparations had already been affected by disrupted training, a burn injury and a prolonged wait for confirmation of his selection. Those challenges had formed the backdrop to his campaign before the allegations emerged.
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PCI Considers Disciplinary Action
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is reportedly considering disciplinary action, including a possible lifetime ban. However, no final decision had been reported at the time of publication.
The case also puts the spotlight on conduct and safeguarding at international sporting events. The Asian Para Games' official safeguarding framework identifies sexual harassment and inappropriate physical contact among the concerns it addresses, with consultation channels available during the Games.