Para-athletes insulted by Paralympic Commitee officials

In an outrageous incident, the coaches and family members of para athletes who participated in the London Paralympics 2012 weren’t allowed inside the Games village, instead their spot was given to seven PCI members/ officials.

The escorts and coaches weren't even allowed to meet the players inside the games village in London!

This has affected the players morally and has affected our team spirit as well.

Farman Basha is an Arjuna award winner and power lifts for India, one of the most senior players in the Indian team who has been participating in the olympics for the last 4 years.

"I do not have an escort here and even my coach was not allowed to stay with me. I have been in London since August 11 and our federation's representatives promised that all arrangements will be made but nothing has been taken care of. I was confident of a medal but now all my training has gone in vain."

Another athlete, Amit Kumar Saroha who qualified for London Paralympics 2012, is a wheelchair participant. His coach was left stranded outside the village.

Like them there are many who were not allowed to come inside the games village. This includes all the coaches except for one who is a PCI member.

We request all Indians to support us and tell Mr. Ajay Maken (Minister of Sports) to take immediate action:

1. Investigate this incident and take strict action against the Minister,officials and Executive Members.

2. Derecognise the Paralympic Committee of India and form a new one.

3. Develop means to, spread awareness on para games and sports events

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Regards,

Pradeep Raj, International Para Athelete, Member of Disabled rights group

Farmaan Basha, Arjuna awardee, Paralympics participant 2012

Girraj Singh, 2004 Paralympian, General Secreatary Paralympic Committe, Haryana

News Sources:

CNN IBN : Are Indian Paralympians treated as second class citizens?

CNN IBN: Paralympians alledge lack of escorts