Correspondent, 22 October: An Indian para-swimmer's shameful actions during the ongoing Asian Para Games in Japan have brought significant disrepute to the nation and its athletes. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh has been accused of sexually harassing a female hotel employee, prompting severe backlash.
The Indian para-swimming contingent was staying at the 'Nagoya Four Points by Sheraton' hotel in Japan. According to hotel officials, the incident occurred when a female housekeeping staff member entered Shaikh's room for work. They claim the athlete misbehaved with her, touched her inappropriately, made obscene gestures, and attempted to force himself on her.
Frightened by his behavior, the employee fled the room and informed her superiors. The authorities were immediately called to the scene. Japanese police took the athlete into custody and were preparing to prosecute him in court.
At this point, Indian officials and the local organizing committee urgently intervened. The Indian contingent was instructed to issue a written apology to the female employee, and authorities directed that the swimmer be sent back to India immediately. Following these orders, he was shifted to a different hotel for the night and deported to India early the next morning.
The controversy forced Indian officials to waste valuable time negotiating with the police and hotel administration instead of focusing on the games. Taking serious note of the severe misconduct, the Paralympic Committee of India is preparing to impose a lifetime ban on Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh and is set to initiate major disciplinary action against him in India.
