Indian Para Swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh Faces Potential Lifetime Ban After Japan Incident

India’s campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026 has been overshadowed by a serious controversy involving para swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, who was reportedly sent back from Japan following allegations of sexual misconduct against a female hotel employee. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is considering stringent disciplinary action, including a possible lifetime ban.

The incident reportedly took place on Monday at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Nagoya, where members of India’s para swimming contingent were staying. According to reports, the female housekeeping employee alleged that Shaikh behaved inappropriately towards her while she was carrying out her duties in his room.

Japanese police reportedly detained the 40-year-old swimmer after the complaint was raised. Indian delegation officials subsequently intervened, with the local organising committee also becoming involved in the matter. Shaikh was reportedly sent back to India on Tuesday, a day after the alleged incident, and did not compete in his scheduled events.

The PCI has reportedly informed the government about the development. Officials are expected to discuss the case with representatives of para swimming and the Indian delegation after the Games before deciding on further action. A lifetime ban has reportedly been recommended by the delegation’s chef de mission, although a final disciplinary decision remains pending.

Shaikh has previously represented India internationally and was once ranked world No. 1 in the men’s 100m butterfly S5 and 50m breaststroke SB4 categories. His reported achievements include competing at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta and winning the 200m breaststroke at the Reykjavik International Games in 2025.