<p>The Sports Ministry has urged the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to allow Indian athletes to participate in competitions under the national flag despite the continued suspension of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).<br /><br /></p>.<p>The IPC on Tuesday had given its consent to the participation of Indian athletes who were already licensed in Sport Data Management System (SDMS) system to participate in competitions albeit under the IPC flag.<br /><br />The world body had suspended the PCI on April 17, due to infighting, with Sports Ministry, too, derecognising it following the shabby treatment of athletes during the National Para-Athletics Championships in Ghaziabad in March.<br /><br />In response to the letter written by the IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez on Tuesday, the Ministry also requested that those who were not included under the SDMS may be permitted to participate in these competitions. <br /><br />“The letter sent today to Shri Gonzalez has deeply appreciated IPC’s support for Para-athletes and Para-sports in India. It said that Para-sports in India is at a nascent stage and needs to be encouraged in every possible manner,” the Ministry informed on Friday.<br /><br />“The letter said, Government of India has been providing all possible support to para-athletes and para-sports and if any restriction is imposed on participation of Indian athletes and if they are not allowed to compete under the National Flag of India, they will feel demotivated and this will be a huge set-back to the efforts being made by the Government for promotion of Para- sports in the country.”<br /><br />The Ministry wrote that till the time the IPC decides on the constitution of an ad-hoc body to administer para-sports in India, the entries of the athletes may be allowed to be routed through the Sports Authority of India (SAI). It said that SAI has the knowledge and expertise in handling matters relating to participation of athletes in international events including conduct of coaching camps for such athletes.<br /><br />The Ministry also said that its suggestions on formation of the ad-hoc committee would be sent shortly to IPC.</p>
<p>The Sports Ministry has urged the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to allow Indian athletes to participate in competitions under the national flag despite the continued suspension of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).<br /><br /></p>.<p>The IPC on Tuesday had given its consent to the participation of Indian athletes who were already licensed in Sport Data Management System (SDMS) system to participate in competitions albeit under the IPC flag.<br /><br />The world body had suspended the PCI on April 17, due to infighting, with Sports Ministry, too, derecognising it following the shabby treatment of athletes during the National Para-Athletics Championships in Ghaziabad in March.<br /><br />In response to the letter written by the IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez on Tuesday, the Ministry also requested that those who were not included under the SDMS may be permitted to participate in these competitions. <br /><br />“The letter sent today to Shri Gonzalez has deeply appreciated IPC’s support for Para-athletes and Para-sports in India. It said that Para-sports in India is at a nascent stage and needs to be encouraged in every possible manner,” the Ministry informed on Friday.<br /><br />“The letter said, Government of India has been providing all possible support to para-athletes and para-sports and if any restriction is imposed on participation of Indian athletes and if they are not allowed to compete under the National Flag of India, they will feel demotivated and this will be a huge set-back to the efforts being made by the Government for promotion of Para- sports in the country.”<br /><br />The Ministry wrote that till the time the IPC decides on the constitution of an ad-hoc body to administer para-sports in India, the entries of the athletes may be allowed to be routed through the Sports Authority of India (SAI). It said that SAI has the knowledge and expertise in handling matters relating to participation of athletes in international events including conduct of coaching camps for such athletes.<br /><br />The Ministry also said that its suggestions on formation of the ad-hoc committee would be sent shortly to IPC.</p>
