Indian para‑swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh sent home from Nagoya after misconduct allegations
Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh was deported from Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday after being detained by Japanese police following allegations that he sexually harassed and molested a female hotel employee during the Asian Para Games. The 40-year-old para swimmer was sent back to India a day after the alleged incident, delegation sources said.
The episode has embarrassed India's Asian Para Games contingent in Nagoya and occurred at the hotel where the Indian para-swimming team was staying. A complaint about the alleged conduct was lodged with the local organising committee and Indian delegation officials, who notified authorities. Shaikh was due to compete in scheduled events at the Games but was sent home without taking part.
According to a source within the Indian delegation, the alleged incident took place on Monday when a female housekeeping employee was carrying out her duties in Shaikh's room and subsequently filed a complaint. Japanese police intervened at the hotel and detained Shaikh; he was repatriated to India on Tuesday, the source said.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is reportedly considering disciplinary action against Shaikh, including the possibility of a lifetime ban. PCI officials have not taken a final decision on sanctions.
Shaikh is a para swimmer from Bihar who has represented India at several international competitions. World Para Swimming records show he previously held the world No. 1 ranking in the men's 100m butterfly S5 and the 50m breaststroke SB4 categories. He won gold medals at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta in the 200m and 50m breaststroke events, and at the 2025 Reykjavik International Games he won the 200m breaststroke while setting Indian and Asian records. Nagoya 2026 would have been his third consecutive appearance at the Asian Para Games.
A formal review of the matter is expected after the Asian Para Games, when the PCI will consider any disciplinary measures and issue a decision.