India, Oct. 13 -- The Sports Ministry has dropped para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from India's contingent for the upcoming Para Asian Games, approving 166 athletes after a contentious selection process that triggered protests by shooters and cyclists.

Long-serving national coach Jeevan L Rai has replaced Nautiyal in the contingent for the Games, scheduled to begin on October 18 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Nautiyal had faced allegations of violating established selection criteria and demanding kickbacks in exchange for selecting athletes. Several shooters protested outside the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters, seeking his removal and an investigation into the allegations.

The shooters also met Sports Minister Mansukh Ma...