In what can be termed as a major embarrassment for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has categorically stated that the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has done no wrong and would continue to be recognised by the world body.
On February 3, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had suspended the PCI as they had failed to hold elections to the executive committee in the stipulated period. Even as the PCI had announced dates for the elections on March 28 at the general assembly, the suspension came as a big surprise.
For the PCI President, Deepa Malik, this news was indeed shocking and she made fervent appeals to the MYAS to have a rethink. For its part, the ministry has not budged.
Two communication mails sent by the IPC, copies of which are with RevSportz, make it clear the world body is fully backing the committee in India.
“We have been made aware of the recent decision by the Government of India to suspend the recognition of NPC India with immediate effect,” says the email dated February 12, signed by Kristina Molloy, Chief Membership and Impact Officer, IPC. “As the situation unfolded in the past week, we have received various correspondences, both from Deepa Malik (President) and Secretary General Gursharan Singh, as well as from the representative of the Government of India.”
The letter made it clear that the IPC is in favour of the elections in India on March 28. “We understand that you have recently sent out a notice to your members (of PCI) informing that the next General Assembly will be held on 28 March, 2024,” it said. “We thank you for sharing this information and look forward to hearing about the outcomes of the General Assembly in due course, in line with the IPC requirements.”
In short, the world body is aware of the situation and fully backs the PCI, which has not accepted the “suspension” in a meek manner. The letter also stated very clearly that the IPC recognises the PCI. “There is currently no breach of any of its member obligations as defined under the IPC Constitution,” it said. “Any question regarding adherence to national law is beyond our scope of intervention, and, as such, should be dealt with domestically.”
The reason the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had given for suspension was non-compliance with the National Sports Code. However, the IPC has made it clear that this is an issue which they will not get embroiled in, while it continues to recognise the Indian body.
In another letter, dated February 12, addressed to Kunal, joint secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in response to a communication from the Indian government, the IPC says: “The Paralympic Committee of India is currently not in breach of any of its member obligations to the IPC. As such, the current governance situation of the PCI does not require an intervention from the IPC.”
The most caustic portion of the reply to the Sports Ministry hints at “interference”.
“We expect our members to manage their affairs autonomously and without interference from bodies outside the Paralympic Movement,” it said. “Accordingly, we are not in a position to form an adhoc body with the Sports Authority of India, as you suggest. As the current governance questions you raise regarding the PCI stems from the national laws and regulations of India, we believe this matter will be resolved within the scope of the country’s own decision making progress and institutional structures.”
The IPC has also shown great concern regarding the situation in India and how it could affect the athletes preparations vis-a-vis the Paris 2024 Paralympics. “Based on your communication with us, as well as those we received from the PCI, we hope that all parties will be able to find an agreeable and workable solution as attention is focused towards facilitating the participation of Indian Para athletes on their pathway to the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” said the letter.