Indian Para Swimmer Mohammad Shams Alam Shaikh Deported From Japan After Misconduct Allegations

Indian para swimmer Mohammad Shams Alam Shaikh has been sent back to India after being detained by Japanese police over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female hotel employee. The incident has cast a shadow over India’s contingent at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) reportedly considering disciplinary action against the 40-year-old athlete.
 

According to a report cited by India Today, a source within the Indian contingent said the alleged incident took place on Monday at the hotel where the Indian para-swimming team was staying. The complaint relates to an alleged interaction between Shaikh and a female housekeeping employee who was carrying out her duties in his hotel room at the time.
 

Following the complaint, the matter was brought to the attention of the local organising committee and officials accompanying the Indian delegation. Japanese police subsequently detained the athlete for questioning.
 

Shaikh was reportedly deported to India on Tuesday, a day after the alleged incident. He had been scheduled to compete in events at the Asian Para Games but was sent back before taking part in any competition.
 

Allegations and Possible Disciplinary Action
 

The allegations against Shaikh involve claims of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour toward a female hotel staff member during her housekeeping duties. According to information provided by a source from the Indian team, police intervened at the hotel after the complaint was filed.
 

The incident also drew the attention of the local organising committee, which informed Indian officials about the matter. The Paralympic Committee of India is expected to review the case after the conclusion of the Games.
 

Reports indicate that officials are considering strict disciplinary measures, including a possible lifetime ban. However, no final decision has been announced, and a formal determination is expected after a review of the matter.
 

Who Is Mohammad Shams Alam Shaikh?
 

Mohammad Shams Alam Shaikh, 40, is a para swimmer from Bihar who has represented India at several international competitions.
 

According to World Para Swimming records, he previously achieved world No. 1 rankings in the men's 100m Butterfly S5 and 50m Breaststroke SB4 categories.
 

Shaikh also represented India at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, where he won gold medals in the 200m Breaststroke and 50m Breaststroke events.
 

In 2025, he won a gold medal at the Reykjavik International Games, where he set Indian and Asian records in the 200m Breaststroke event.
 

The 2026 edition of the Asian Para Games in Nagoya was set to mark his third consecutive appearance at the continental event before the latest developments led to his removal from the competition.