Paralympic body to pitch for ministry grants again

Getting the Union sports activities ministry to renew grants for preparatory camps and banks to activate accounts frozen since October had been Deepa Malik’s priorities as president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

The nationwide lockdown to fight Covid-19 has stalled each. It meant PCI barely managed to pay Rs 1.08 lakh to World Para Athletics final month as affiliation payment.

“Immediately (after the lockdown ends on May 3), we will speak to the legal cell of the bank as the court has allowed us to run PCI,’’ said Malik, a shotput silver medallist in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. “We will also request the sports ministry to review the situation and grant funds for the camps.”

Malik, awarded the Khel Ratna final yr, took cost on February 1 after an interim order on January 27 from the Delhi High Court which had earlier stayed final October’s PCI elections. But for the reason that paperwork couldn’t be accomplished earlier than the lockdown, PCI’s standing didn’t change. The Union sports activities ministry had derecognised PCI after elections in Bengaluru had been challenged in court docket.

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That meant nationwide camps for the Tokyo Olympics couldn’t be performed even after India received 9 medals, together with two gold, and 13 Olympics quota locations within the Dubai World Para Athletics Championships in November.

In the 2016 Paralympics, India acquired 4 medals together with two gold. Devendra Jhajharia (javelin throw) and Mariyappan Thangavelu (excessive soar) bagged gold and Varun Bhatti received bronze (excessive soar). It was India’s finest efficiency within the historical past of the Games. Across 5 disciplines, 19 athletes had certified.

Malik stated she is assured that extra athletes would win quota locations this time round. The postponement of the Olympics may assist PCI type out inner points and get assist of the federal government.

“The world physique has authorised our elections and issues have began shifting. We are conducting on-line seminar for athletes and coaches,’’ stated Malik.