Indian para-swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, who travelled to Japan to represent India at the Asian Para Games 2026, has been sent back to the country after Japanese police detained him following allegations of sexually harassing and molesting a female hotel employee. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has recommended a lifetime ban against the 40-year-old athlete, according to media reports, as reported in India Today.
The alleged incident took place on 19 October 2026 at the hotel in Nagoya where the Indian para-swimming contingent was staying. According to a senior official from the Indian delegation quoted in media reports, a female housekeeping employee was performing her duties in Shaikh’s room when the alleged misconduct occurred.
The employee reportedly complained to her superiors, following which the local organising committee informed the Indian delegation. Japanese police detained Shaikh and took him to a police station.
According to The Times of India, the delegation was informed that Shaikh had allegedly touched the employee inappropriately, made sexually coloured gestures, attempted to grope her and made sexual advances. These allegations have not been established through a reported court verdict.
The Indian delegation subsequently submitted a written apology to the employee, and arrangements were made for Shaikh to leave Japan. He was sent back to India on October 20 without competing in his scheduled events.
The episode diverted Indian delegation officials from the ongoing competition and reportedly embarrassed the contingent before the Japanese authorities and hotel management. The PCI’s Chef de Mission has recommended a lifetime ban, with further disciplinary action expected to be considered after the Games.
From International Sporting Recognition To A Major Controversy
Shaikh, who hails from Madhubani district in Bihar, has represented India in several international para-swimming competitions. He previously held the world No. 1 ranking in the men’s 100m butterfly S5 and 50m breaststroke SB4 categories, according to World Para Swimming records.
At the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, he won gold medals in the 200m and 50m breaststroke events. In 2025, he also won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Reykjavik International Games, setting Indian and Asian records.
His sporting achievements had earned him recognition as an Indian para-athlete. However, the allegations in Japan have now overshadowed his participation in the 2026 Games and placed his future in competitive sport in jeopardy.
The PCI has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct and behaviour that violates the dignity, safety and rights of others. The proposed lifetime ban would represent a serious disciplinary consequence if formally imposed following the committee’s review.
His Political Activity On X Draws Attention
Beyond the sporting controversy, Shaikh’s political activity on X has also attracted scrutiny. Posts from his account show evidence of his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his engagement with pro-Islamist content shared by alleged fact-checker Mohammed Zubair.
His online activity includes sharing posts supporting wrestlers who protested against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Those allegations against Singh and the wrestlers’ protests became a major national controversy.
Meet Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, a para-swimmer who was in Japan for the Asian Para Games 2026.
He reportedly sexually assaulted a hotel staff member, after which he was detained by Japanese police and has now been deported back to India.
Aalam is a hardcore Islamist on X. See how he used to mock PM Modi, retweet posts supporting Naxalis, etc.
The irony is that this Molester was tweeting in support of the wrestlers protesting against Brij Bhushan Singh.
He has ruined India’s reputation globally. People like him help racists in spreading hatred against Indians.
But just wait, liberals will find a way to blame PM Modi for this. They will say it’s a conspiracy because he was anti-Modi.
Just like PM Modi increased Vinesh Phogat’s weight to disqualify her from the Olympics.
— Ankur Singh (@AnkurSingh) October 22, 2026
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