Tokyo Paralympics: Is There A Provision To Send Substitute Players? Delhi High Court Asks PCI In Shooter Naresh Sharma's Plea

While hearing Shooter Naresh Sharma's plea against his non-selection for the upcoming Tokyo Paralympic games, the Delhi High Court today asked the Paralympic Committee of India if there is any provision under World Para Athletics Rules for sending substitute players for Shooting event.A Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh has asked the parties to file their submissions in this regard. The development came after Advocate Varun Singh, appearing for Sharma, stated that he is willing to participate in the event as a "substitute player"."The Paralympic Team is already gone, I don't want to get someone removed at the 11th hour. But as an experienced person who has participated in 6 Paralympics, I want to go as a substitute," Singh submitted for Sharma.He stated Sharma has experience of six Paralympic events and his presence at Tokyo will boost the morale of other players."In cricket, people like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting are given money to be present at the event. So my going to Tokyo will boost the morale of the players, given my experience," Singh submitted.He stated that the "Late Athlete Substitution Policy" will pave for sending Sharma as a substitute, even so, this submission was sought to be controverted by the Paralympic Committee, represented by Advocate Mahavir Rawat. Rawat stated that a substitute is required only when the main player is injured and it is too late to send Sharma as the event is scheduled to commence from tomorrow. However, on a pointed query put by the Court if there is a provision in Rules for substitute player, Rawat sought time to seek instructions.Meanwhile, Advocate Naveen Chaudhary appearing for one of the Respondents argued that the prayer made by Sharma for participating as a substitute cannot be granted by the Court as the same is not in the pleadings."Will heavens fall if I go?" Singh then asked.The matter is slated to be heard on August 27.BackgroundSharma 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.Notice on the matter was issued on July 30, following which the matter reached the Supreme Court for urgent relief. The Top Court had asked PCI to recommend Sharma's name for the event and report compliance. Later, the matter was disposed of after the International Paralympic Committee said that it is not possible to include Sharma as an additional participant from India. Sharma was however granted liberty to argue before the High Court whether he should be sent in place of another candidate, Deepak.On the issue of bipartite entry, PCI informed the Court that it had recommended Sharma's name to IPC saying that he is a good shooter. But IPC responded saying that our quota is only of 10 people.Before the High Court, PCI stated that it has not discriminated against Sharma. It claimed that though Sharma is a good player, his performance has not been up to mark in past years.Case Title: Naresh Sharma v. Paralympic Committee of India

Tokyo Paralympics: Is There A Provision To Send Substitute Players? Delhi High Court Asks PCI In Shooter Naresh Sharma's Plea

Akshita Saxena

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