Govt-backed int’l Para Games to be postponed

With just a fortnight left, India’s first Open Para Games proposed next month in Delhi has been postponed in the wake of the infighting between Executive Committee members of the suspended Paralympics Committee of India (PCI).

The international event was scheduled between May 2 and 9 in the national capital, which was to be jointly organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Sports Ministry.

“As there was some problem within the Executive Committee members of PCI, we have already communicated with PCI that they must resolve their issues before the Para Games could be organised,” Union Social Justice Ministry sources said.

“Initially, the event was scheduled for May, but now it may be postponed to October this year,” official sources said, while adding that several technical issues need to sorted out as it is an international event. Stressing that even budget could not prepared for the international event, sources further said the Ministry of Social Justice did not allocate funds for the purpose.

“As per the previous proposal, the Ministry of Social Justice and Sports Ministry would jointly organise the event, wherein facilities of Sport Ministry would be used. But even budget for the event could not be prepared,” sources claimed.

The Indian Open was set to be the first international para event to be hosted by the country. 

Meanwhile, the International Paralympic Committee has suspended the PCI for 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. In a letter dated April 15 and sent by email to PCI, the IPC said the suspension would be for an indefinite period.