International Paralympic Committee Suspends 'Chaotic' Indian Federation for Infighting
International Paralympic Committee has suspended India for an indefinite period. The world body has also banned Indian athletes from taking part in its approved events.
The Paralympic Committee of India has been derecognised by the international federation for infighting. In a letter written by the International Paralympic Committee on April 15 and sent by email to PCI, the suspension is for an indefinite period of time. This is the third time India have been suspended.
In a letter written to PCI, the International Paralympic Committee CEO Xavier Gonzalez said: "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 ... and the situation does not bring any positive outcome for the athletes."
PCI secretary-general Chandrashekhar told NDTV: "We are shocked at this harsh decision. We will ask the world body not to stop our athletes. We have suspended our president and we will explain our position."
In recent weeks, the PCI has been in the news for the wrong reasons. The sports minister has also show-caused the association and the PCI has to respond by Friday. The PCI could also face government derecognition.(Para-Athletes Face Official Apathy)
Last week, the PCI had suspended its president Rajesh Tomar after the nationals in Ghaziabad were totally mismanaged. During the championship, differently abled athletes were put up in partially built buildings without basic amenities like drinking water and toilets.(PCI President Sacked)
Due to the world body suspension that comes with immediate effect, Indian athletes will not be able to participate in any international events till ban is lifted. The world blind Games happen in South Korea next month.
(With inputs from Suprita Das)