Tokyo Paralympics: Shooter Naresh Sharma Seeks Permission To Participate As 'Substitute Player'

Paralympian shooter and Arjuna Award winner Naresh Kumar Sharma today submitted before the Delhi High Court that he does not wish to replace another player in the upcoming Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 and is willing to participate in the event as a "substitute player".

The submission was made in view of the fact that the players selected for the event have already left for Tokyo on August 12.

The Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh was hearing an application for early hearing of the petition. 

Advocate Varun Singh, appearing on behalf of Sharma, stated:

Instead, he said that a direction may be issued to the Respondents to send Sharma as a "substitute player". For this, he submitted that the consent and funds is sanctioned by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and normally the same is not declined.

Refusing to pass such a direction, the Bench said,

"Can we grant a relief beyond your prayer? You have made a request, it is for them to consider."

It added that the Central Government, represented by Standing Counsel Anil Soni, has patiently heard the matter and it is for them to take a decision thereof.

With these observations, the application was disposed and the matter will be considered on August 23.

Sharma had approached the High Court assailing a Single Judge order, refusing to interfere with the decision of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), the apex body for promotion and development of Para Sports in India, to not shortlist him for the Tokyo Games 2020.

Case Title: Naresh Kumar Sharma v. PCI