Indian para swimmer Shams Alam Shaikh deported from Japan over allegations of sexual misconduct; banned for lifetime
PTC News Desk: Indian para swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh has been sent back to India after Japanese police detained him over allegations of sexual harassment and molestation involving a female hotel employee. The incident has caused embarrassment for India’s Asian Para Games contingent in Nagoya. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is reportedly considering a lifetime ban against the 40-year-old swimmer.
According to a source in 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 was reportedly working in Shaikh’s room when the alleged misconduct occurred. The complaint was brought to the attention of the local organising committee and Indian delegation officials.
Japanese police detained Shaikh after the complaint. He was sent back to India on Tuesday, a day after the alleged incident. He was scheduled to compete in events at the Asian Para Games but had to return without participating.
The PCI is expected to review the matter after the Games. Officials are reportedly considering strict disciplinary action, including a possible lifetime ban. However, no final decision has been announced.
What are the allegations ?
Shaikh has been accused of sexually harassing and molesting a female hotel employee while she was carrying out housekeeping duties in his room. According to a source within the Indian delegation, the complaint led to police intervention at the hotel.
The local organising committee also took note of the matter and informed Indian officials. The PCI is expected to examine the case after the Games before deciding on any disciplinary action.
Who is Shams Aalam Shaikh ?
Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, 40, is a para swimmer from Bihar who has represented India at several international competitions. According to World Para Swimming records, he previously held the world No. 1 ranking in the men’s 100m butterfly S5 and 50m breaststroke SB4 categories.
Shaikh represented India at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, where he won gold medals in the 200m and 50m breaststroke events. In 2025, he also won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Reykjavik International Games, setting Indian and Asian records.
The 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya were expected to be his third consecutive appearance at the event, but he was sent back to India before competing.
- PTC NEWS
