Para athletes get relief from IPC

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Tuesday gave their nod to the participation of Indian athletes in the international events even as the suspension of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) continues.

The athletes, however, would be competing under the IPC flag.The IPC had suspended PCI on April 17 due to infighting. Sports Ministry, too, de-recognised the PCI over the poor treatment meted out to the athletes during the National Para-Athletics Championships in Ghaziabad in March. The ministry then wrote to the IPC about the setting up an ad-hoc committee to monitor paralympic issues in the country besides the participation of Indian para-athletes in the international events.

The IPC, in its reply, appreciated the suggestions and steps taken by the Ministry.“In order not to penalise Indian athletes, we have decided to enable athletes who are already licensed in our SDMS system to participate into competitions. Please note that these athletes will not represent their country but will be competing under the IPC flag for the moment,” IPC chief executiveofficer Xavier Gonzalez wrote in letter dated May 18.

“We do appreciate your suggestion of creating and ad-hoc committee to administer Paralympic matters and would gladly appreciate your support in establishing this body.”