International paralympics body lifts Indian athletes ban

In a huge relief to several Indian para-athletes who have qualified for Rio Paralympics, the world governing body IPC has announced temporary lifting of suspension imposed on the national body last year so that Indians can take part under the tri-colour in the showpiece event. International Paralympic Committee, on May 31, decided to lift the ban on the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) with the sole purpose of

allowing para-athletes of the country to compete at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games under the tri-colour. Till now, a record number of 20 Indian para-athletes have qualified for the Rio Paralympics to be held from September 7 to 18.

The ban will be lifted only upto the end of Paralympics and it can be re-imposed after that if the PCI fails to implement the reforms outlined by the world body.

PCI was being suspended in April last year due to internal conflicts between different groups and persons which were undermining the development of Paralympic Movement in India. However, following meetings in Bonn, Germany, in May with representatives from Sport Authority of India, Sports Ministry and PCI, the IPC lifted the suspension temporarily to allow the para-athletes to compete under the Indian flag at Rio Paralympics 2016.