Following the action from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has also suspended the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). The reason for the suspension is gross negligence and poor management of the 15th National Para Athletics Championships, which was held from March 20-22 in Ghaziabad. The sports ministry has urged the International Paralympic Committee to form an ad hoc committee in India till a new federation sanctioned by the world para body is formed. The IPC has suspended PCI for an indefinite period.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) had conducted an inquiry into the management of the competition and submitted its report to the ministry. The sports ministry has written a letter to International Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez requesting for an ad hoc body, so that athletes won’t get affected.

The suspension of PCI by International Paralympic Committee (IPC) bars Indian athletes from taking part in IPC sanctioned competitions, which includes 2016 Paralympic Games at Rio de Janeiro.

Tidbits

1. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the body responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Paralympic Games and other international athletic meets.
2. In 1992 M. Mahadeva and others started an organization at national level for the promotion and development of sports for the physically challenged.
3. The PCI was recognized by the Government of India in November 2011 as a National Sports Federation.