Para-cyclists move Delhi High Court against CFI’s alleged irregularities

Some of the key issues raised in the petition include refusal to bid for 2026 Paracycling World Cup, athletes losing medals due to administrative delays, nepotism with officials sending their own children without trials, suppression of para cyclists achievements on official platforms and verbal admissions of guilt, but no written accountability

Hyderabad: India’s top para-cyclists, led by international medalist Aryavardhan Cheelampalli of Telangana, have filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court against the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) for alleged “discrimination, negligence and blatant favouritism”.

“Despite qualifying performances, Aryavardhan was denied a World Championship slot, putting his Asian and Commonwealth Games chances in jeopardy,” it is alleged.

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Some of the key issues raised in the petition include refusal to bid for 2026 Paracycling World Cup, athletes losing medals due to administrative delays in athlete classification leading to four para-cyclists missing the Asian Championship, losing eight potential medals, nepotism with officials sending their own children without trials, suppression of para cyclists achievements on official platforms and verbal admissions of guilt, but no written accountability.

“When approached, even SAI shockingly directed the complaint back to the accused official. We want justice not just for us, but for the future of para-sports in India,” said Aryavardhan.

The petitioners demanded Government intervention, an independent probe into CFI, and a clean-up of corrupt practices in Indian para-sport governance.

“Cycling Federation of India refused to host the 2026 Paralympic World Cup, costing India crucial Paralympic qualification chances, despite Andhra Pradesh Government backing,” the para cyclists alleged.

“Despite eight medals at the Asian Championship, CFI suppressed athlete achievements while celebrating junior able-bodied bronze medalists,” they alleged.

“The CFI selection committee chairman misused his position to send his ineligible son to an international event without trials or UCI clearance. The CFI even admitted fault in meetings but offered coach Aditya Mehta a post (which he refused) instead of addressing issues formally,” they said.

“The CFI leadership is run by one family, raising serious conflict of interest and power abuse,” they alleged.