India Readies 161-Member Contingent for Dubai's Asian Youth Para Games Amid Concerns of 'Disappearing' Staff
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The Indian government has cleared a 161-strong contingent to participate in the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai from December 7 to 14. The team comprises 99 athletes and 62 coaches, support staff, and officials. To prevent cases of 'disappearing staff' that have been reported in the past, the Sports Ministry has mandated a thorough background check of all contingent members. This decision comes after top para-athletes raised concerns about support staff and wheelchair escorts abandoning their duties to enjoy foreign competitions as 'paid holidays.' A recent incident at the Asian Para Table Tennis Championships in Beijing involved a wheelchair-bound coach who took his son as an escort and disappeared for the duration of the competition. The coach failed to attend the matches, citing personal activities. The Asian Youth Para Games will feature over 1500 athletes from 45 countries across 13 disciplines. India's para-athletics squad boasts 62 names. The Sports Ministry has also requested a detailed report on the contingent's performance, including action photographs and visual highlights, within 30 days of their return. Paralympic Committee of India Secretary General Jayawant Gundu Hammanavar has been appointed as the chef-de-mission for the tour, and will travel at no cost to the government. The ministry has also ensured that officials holding elected positions will be treated at no cost to the government.
