India's historic performance in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games 2026 has been overshadowed by controversy after several medal-winning athletes, coaches and officials lodged formal complaints alleging misconduct by a member of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) media team.

The complaints have been submitted to both the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association, seeking disciplinary action against the official over alleged inappropriate behaviour towards para athletes during the Games in Glasgow.

Historic Campaign Marred by Dispute

India ended a two-decade wait for a Commonwealth Games para athletics medal by winning seven medals at Glasgow 2026, marking its best-ever campaign in the discipline.

Among the standout performances was Dilip Mahadu Gavit, who won India's first-ever men's para athletics Commonwealth Games gold medal in the T47 100m event, while Mohammed Basil secured the silver medal in the same race.

Despite the landmark achievement, the celebrations have now been clouded by the controversy.

Athletes, Coaches Submit Complaints

According to reports, Gavit and Basil have separately filed complaints against an IOA media committee member, alleging rude and disrespectful behaviour towards para athletes.

The grievances have reportedly been supported by para athletics coach Pushpa NP, who was part of the Indian contingent in Glasgow. Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) CEO Rahul Swami has also submitted a complaint regarding the incident.

Dispute Allegedly Began Over Media Interaction

The controversy reportedly centres on an incident that occurred on 30 July, shortly after Gavit's gold-medal victory.

According to the complaints, the disagreement arose over whether the medal-winning athletes should attend media interactions before completing mandatory dope-control procedures.

What reportedly began as a verbal argument later escalated into a brief physical confrontation before coaches and athletes intervened to defuse the situation.

Official Named in Complaint

The complaints reportedly identify Sarvesh Kedia, a member of the 14-member IOA media delegation accompanying the Indian team in Glasgow.

Coach Pushpa NP alleged that the official spoke loudly and behaved inappropriately with athletes and coaching staff, including chief para athletics coach Satyanarayana, during the incident.

The allegations are yet to be officially adjudicated, and no public response from the official has been reported.

Demand for Disciplinary Action

Members of the para athletics contingent have urged authorities to initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings.

Coach Pushpa NP has reportedly requested that the official should not be assigned to future para athletics media interactions, while also seeking action to prevent similar incidents during upcoming international competitions.

The Sports Ministry and the IOA are expected to examine the complaints before deciding on any further course of action.