The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has been suspended by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for an indefinite period for infighting within the national body and shoddy treatment meted out to athletes during the National Para-Athletics Championships at Ghaziabad last month.
The situation in PCI has been chaotic for several years now, which is mostly due to individual conflicts at the national level between different groups and persons. The situation does not bring any positive outcome for the athletes.
— Xavier Gonzalez, CEO, International Paralympic Committee
This is the second time the PCI has been suspended by the world body.
PCI secretary-general J Chandrashekar said that the hardest hit by the suspension will be the para-athletes. The national body will request the IPC to reconsider its decision.
We are shocked at this harsh decision. The PCI cited infighting and the Ghaziabad incident for the suspension. We will request the world body to reconsider its decision. We will request at least to allow our athletes to take part in international event.
— J Chandrashekar, Secretary-General, Paralympic Committee of India
The PCI has been in the news for wrong reasons. Differently-abled athletes participating in the National Para-Athletics Championships were put up at unfurnished and unhygienic accommodations. After the event, the Sports Ministry sought a report from the organisers demanding an explanation for the official apathy.
The PCI was recognised by the government in November 2011 as a National Sports Federation for promotion of sports amongst the physically challenged sportspersons in the country.
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