Indian para-athlete Simran Sharma, who won two gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, has alleged that officials at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium harassed her ahead of the continental competition.
The visually impaired sprinter claimed that she faced unnecessary hurdles while trying to obtain a fitness certificate from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) fitness centre before travelling to Japan.
“Unhone certificate dene se mana kar diya yeh kehke ki, ‘Pehle humare liye letter leke aao’,” Simran alleged as reported by Hindustan Times, explaining that officials refused to issue the certificate without an additional letter. She eventually obtained the fitness certificate elsewhere.
Questioning the treatment meted out to athletes representing the country internationally, she said, “Jab aap ek officer ho aur aapko pata hai ki India ke khiladi country ko represent karne jaa rahe hain, toh aap unko pareshan kyun kar rahe ho?”
According to her account, the experience added to the difficulties she faced in the run-up to the Games, raising concerns about the treatment of elite para-athletes at a national training facility.
Simran, however, overcame the alleged ordeal to deliver a remarkable performance in Japan. She won gold in the women’s 200m T12 event before securing the 100m T12 title in a Games-record time of 12.02 seconds.
Her double-gold achievement underlined her resilience, while her allegations have brought attention to the administrative challenges athletes may encounter while preparing for major international competitions. The claims have not been independently established.
SAI’s Response To the Allegations
In response to the allegations, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), stated that she had been provided training facilities and support arrangements at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium. The administration acknowledged her double-gold achievement at the Asian Para Games and reiterated its commitment to supporting her sporting career.
Regarding allegations of harassment and mental torture, the administration said the claims were serious and could be examined based on specific details and supporting evidence. It also linked the issue to recent administrative action concerning Simran’s husband, Gajendra Singh, a para-athletics coach residing at the JLN Hostel with official approval.
According to the administration, Gajendra sought permission on August 19, 2026, for Lt Gen Mukesh Kumar Chaddha, DGST, to use the hostel gym between June 20 and September 20. The request was submitted after the proposed period had begun, and no prior approval was available on record.
A warning and clarification letter was issued on September 15, followed by another letter on September 18 seeking documentary proof of the claimed permission. The administration maintained that formal approval had not been established and described the action as administrative.
SAI also cited athlete safety concerns regarding unauthorised hostel occupants and said athletes were allowed to train inside the Main Arena amid increased footfall on the warm-up track. It added that it had not received similar complaints from other athletes and reiterated its commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment.