Lisha Das: Minor para cyclist rejects official kit, flag and demands fair treatment. The 17-year-old athlete escalated her dispute with Indian sports authorities ahead of the Commonwealth Games, refusing to wear the official India kit and stating she would carry her own national flag. Lisha Das also informed the Cycling Federation of India that she would stay outside the team hotel, use independently booked tickets, and decline all federation travel arrangements in Glasgow due to continued harassment, mental distress, and lack of support.
In a strongly worded email, Lisha Das demanded immediate accreditation for her coach, Aditya Mehta, citing a Delhi High Court order recognizing him. She insisted that Mehta, technician K Dattatraya, and physiotherapist Dr. Asha Shaikh must be granted event access as her essential support personnel. Lisha Das also objected to the unauthorized use of her photographs by the Paralympic Committee of India, warning of legal action if the material was not removed.
Lisha Das rejected the federation’s booking of tickets without prior notice, as her team had already arranged travel and accommodation due to prolonged lack of clarity. She noted she had independently spent around Rs 12 lakh on training, equipment, and non-refundable tickets, including customs duty on her customised cycle. Lisha Das stressed that she saw no reason to represent a support system from which she received no meaningful support.
Despite the conflict, Lisha Das affirmed she would represent India with pride. Her independent arrangements should not weaken her demand for coach accreditation. The situation highlights ongoing friction between promising para athletes and sports authorities, raising questions about support and communication.