World Para Athletics has banned Indian para-athlete Vinod Kumar for two years for intentionally misrepresenting his abilities in classification at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
In a statement issued without giving further details, the World Para Athletics said that the athlete was observed performing several movements and functions in the competition which were not consistent with his performance during the physical and technical aspects of classification.
Under the World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations, it is a disciplinary offence for an athlete to intentionally misrepresent their skills or abilities and/or the degree or nature of their impairment. It is also a disciplinary offence for any athlete support person to assist, conceal or be complicit in any Intentional Misrepresentation by an athlete.
Christian Holtz, Managing Director of World Para Sports, said: "Intentional Misrepresentation is a very serious offence and athletes are required to give their best effort when presenting to a classification panel. The classification system is crucial to ensure fair competition and this case shows how committed World Para Athletics is to protect the integrity of the sport."
The Board of Appeal of Classification (BAC), an independent body, said the 41-year-old will be ineligible to compete in para-athletics competition until August 2023. "
Kumar had finished third in a discus event in Tokyo but the result was challenged by fellow competitors and his throw was declared void, according to media reports.
He competed in F52 discus, an event where athletes compete in a wheelchair or a throwing chair due to impaired muscle power, restricted range of movement, limb deficiency, or leg length difference, the reports said.
Christian Holtz, Managing Director of World Para Sports, said: "The classification system is crucial to ensure fair competition and this case shows how committed World Para Athletics is to protect the integrity of the sport."