The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Monday blamed the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for the inadequate facilities provided for differently-abled athletes during the recent National Para-Athletic Games, adding that it is the primary duty of a federation to conduct a national level championship.
"What happened in Ghaziabad with respect to the conduct of the para-athletic championship is something that is totally unacceptable. Our view on this is very clear that the entire lapse, blame, wholly and squarely on the federation. Because it is the national federation's primary duty to conduct the national championships. If a federation finds it difficult to conduct a national championship then they really cannot stake a claim to manage a sport," Director General of SAI, Injeti Srinivas told ANI.
"The support that the government gives is the same to every federation. If there is a feeling that we are giving lesser amount to a para-athlete and giving more to an able bodied athlete is totally incorrect," he added.
He further said that the inquiry into the matter is underway and report on the same will be ready soon.
"Now the event is over and the athletes have returned home. to conduct the inquiry and fix the responsibilities we have to talk to the athletes, we will have to talk to the people in the organizing committee and then we will be able to tell with some certainty indicate where all the lapses occurred. We will give this report at the earliest," Srinivas said.
Over 700 differently-abled athletes, who participated in the recently concluded National Para-Athletics Championship in Ghaziabad, have complained that the building that they were housed in did not have basic facilities like water and fans, and was replete with mosquitoes.
Minister of State for Sports Sarbananda Sonowal has sought a detailed report from the PCI on the organisation of the National Para-Athletic Games, adding that the well being of athletes is a priority for the government.
