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On Thursday, February 15, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) wrote to the Indian government, informing that the recently suspended Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has not breached any rules and does not need any kind of “intervention”.
“In light of information provided to us by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and by your office, and in accordance with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Constitution adopted by our General Assembly in November 2022, the Paralympic Committee of India is currently not in breach of any of its member obligations to the IPL. As such, the current government situation of the PCI does not require an intervention by the IPL,” the IPC wrote in the letter to the Indian government.
Moreover, the international body also refused to form an ad-hoc committee with the Sports Authority of India to conduct the working of the suspended PCI, adding to manage their affairs autonomously. “Under the rules of our new Constitution, the IPC must preserve its own independence and autonomy to govern the Paralympic Movement. Accordingly, we are not in a position to form an Ad Hoc Committee with the Sports Authority of India as you suggest,” it further added.
PCI informed to conduct elections in three weeks: Sports Ministry
Days after the International Paralympic Committee informed the PCI and the Indian government of no breach of rules, the Sports Ministry has asked the PCI to conduct the elections within 21 days. It has also informed the PCI to work in conjunction with Sports Authority of India (SAI) to conduct the Para Shooting World Cup, scheduled to be held next month in New Delhi.
“The election notification will be issued in a day or two. The ministry came down heavily on PCI Secretary Gurusharan Singh and the EC, accusing them of being selective in their understanding of their by-laws. The ministry also explicitly directed the PCI to hold the elections in the capitals and not in Bengaluru as decided in PCI’s GBM,” an official said.
“The para shooting World Cup will be conducted in conjunction with AI. We are committed to make it a successful event,” Gurusharan Singh said.
