Around 600 differently-abled athletes participating in the National Para-Athletics Championships, held in Ghaziabad, were in for a rude shock after they were allotted unhygienic and difficult living conditions. They complained that the wheelchair-bound athletes were unable to use the ramp.

"We have not got proper food, eating poori and one vegetable dish for the last four days. We walk with sticks and we have been put up at second floor. They don't even have ramps for wheelchair-bound athletes. Toilets are dirty, there are no fans, no water," said Yogesh, a participating athlete.

"I fell down three times while taking bath today, we are drinking water from a tanker and it has not been cleaned and the toilets are filthy," added Vinay, another participant.

Taking a strong view of the shocking incident, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday sought a report from the organisers and promised to take action within 24 hours.

Sonowal said he has asked for a detailed report from Paralympic Committee of India as well as from his secretary after athletes participating in the National Para-Athletics Championships at Janhit Para Sports Grounds (Madhuban, Bapudham) at Ghaziabad were asked to stay at messy and unkempt rooms at a building.

"Well-being of all athletes is a priority for us. Differently-abled athletes and their well-being is a priority for us. We are examining the matter and looking into the reasons for mismanagement of the event," Sonowal said.

"I have asked my sports secretary to take immediate action and submit a report within 24 hours, based on that I will take action. On our part, there is no discrimination between able-bodied and differently-abled athletes. The national federations, whether of able-bodied and differently-abled, have a duty and responsibility to look after the well-being of athletes. If they have any problem, they (the organisers) should have approached us. We are always there to help," he added.

The championship was organised by the Uttar Pradesh unit of the Paralympic Committee of India.