Paralympic Committee forms panel to investigate mismanagement of Nationals

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) today constituted a three-member enquiry committee to investigate the reasons for gross mismanagement at the ongoing 15th National Para-Athletics Championships.In a shocking case of official apathy, differently-abled sportspersons participating in the championships have been put up at unfurnished and unhygienic accommodations, prompting the Sports Ministry to seek a report from the organisers.[caption id="attachment_2169083" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational Image. AFP[/caption]"The conditions were found to be miserable and needed immediate attention. As a result, PCI has set-up a three-member enquiry committee to conduct an independent and an impartial inquiry into the mismanagement of the championships," the PCI stated in a release issued today.The athletes participating in the championships were in for a shock when they reached here as they were handed messy and unkempt rooms at a building in Ghaziabad.PCI president Rajesh Tomar said, "There seems to be a serious lapse on the part of the Local Organizing Committee and we need to address this issue immediately. It is needless to say that the situation is very disturbing, and at this juncture it is premature to hold anyone responsible."In this view, I as the president of PCI, have constituted a committee to investigate and analyse the factual problems and have requested the committee to submit their report regarding all that went wrong in conducting the championships."The scope of enquiry will not be limited to just fact findings, but those found guilty will also be held accountable for such a depressing state of affairs."The committee has been asked to submit its report by March 26.PCI will soon share a comprehensive advisory/ guidelines stipulating minimum standards that need to be maintained in terms of boarding, lodging and other facilities to be made available to athletes participating in national championships so that "such incidents do not repeat" in future.PTI