Government suspends recognition of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)

By NewsGram Staff Writer

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports today suspended the recognition of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) with immediate effect due to numerous complaints about poor management in conducting the 15th National Para Athletics Championships

In a communication sent to the PCI, the Ministry has said that the decision has been taken in the wake of numerous complaints about poor management and conduct of the 15th National Para Athletics Championships, 2015 held from 20th -22nd March, 2015 in Ghaziabad (U.P.) in all aspects viz. logistics, technical, administrative.

The enquiry conducted by SAI found that the complaints were largely well-founded.

The Ministry had earlier issued a 'Show-cause' notice to PCI on the subject.

"The Government of India is of the view that PCI has violated the terms and conditions of recognition as well as provisions of its own constitution", the sports ministry said.

The Government has further noted that PCI has not been functioning in the best interest of Para sport for which it was granted recognition as there has been large scale dissatisfaction among players and other stake holder thus resulting in adverse impact on both the development of the sport as well as future opportunities and prospects of Para athletes in the country.

The PCI was recognized by Government of India in November, 2011, as National Sports Federation for promotion of sports amongst the physically challenged sportspersons in the country.

The International Paralympic Committee (the international body responsible for promotion of sports among para athletes to which PCI is affiliated) has suspended PCI for an indefinite period of time.