Sports ministry lifts suspension on paralympic committee of India amid election initiatives

New Delhi: The Sports Ministry has lifted the suspension imposed on the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) following the initiation of the election process for its long-pending elections.

The suspension was imposed on February 2 due to an intentional delay in electing a new executive committee, as per the National Sports Code.

The PCI had postponed elections, originally scheduled before January 31, to March 28 due to the Para Shooting World Cup. The ministry revoked the suspension after the PCI proposed March 9 as the new election date, and the process began with several posts set to be filled without any contest.

The ministry stated, "Since the election process has reached the stage where the nominated candidates have been deemed to be duly elected unanimously... it has been decided to revoke the suspension of PCI, with immediate effect." The Para Shooting World Cup, offering 24 Paris Paralympic quota places, is set to take place from March 6-15 in Delhi.

Devendra Jhajharia, a multiple-time Paralympic gold medalist, is expected to be elected as the President of PCI.

Jhajharia, the only candidate for the chief post, filed nomination papers for the PCI presidency. Other major posts, including the secretary-general, two vice-presidents, and the treasurer, are also likely to be filled without any contest.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) extended support to the PCI during the suspension, continuing to recognize it as the sole governing body for para-sports in India. The upcoming elections mark a crucial development in the PCI's efforts to address the suspension and resume its role in promoting para sports in the country.