The Sports Ministry today granted recognition to Paralympic Committee of India, giving a huge confidence boost to the several para-athletes who have qualified for Rio Paralympics.
The ministry's move comes less than a month after the International Paralympic Committee 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 in September.
"The issue of grant of recognition to a duly constituted National Sports Federation representing Paralympic Games in India has been under consideration of the Government for some time now," the Sports Ministry said in a statement.
It added, "After having conducted free and fair elections with a former Justice of Allahabad High Court as Returning Officer, and after recognition by International Paralympic Committee, the Ministry considered the matter and has granted recognition to PCI.
"This timely step will help Indian contingent for Paralympic Games to be held in Rio in September 2016 and help the cause of Paralympic Sports in India."
The IPC, on May 31, decided to lift the ban on the Paralympic Committee of India with the sole purpose of allowing para-athletes of the country to compete at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games under the tri-colour.
Till then, a record number of 20 Indian para-athletes qualified for the Rio Paralympics to be held from September 7 to 18.
PCI was 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.
The IPC had asked the PCI to implement the major reforms programmes outlined by the world body, failing which it could be suspended again.
