The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) sets out how athletes and teams can qualify for the Games, which are expected to see more than 4,000 athletes from more than 160 countries taking part in 528 medal events.

The IPC says around 1,700 of the athletes competing in Rio will be female, a 9.9 per cent increase on London 2012.

They will be competing in 226 medal events, 43 per cent of the total.

The Rio 2016 qualification period began on January 1 this year and sport entries must be submitted for the Games by August 15, 2016.

The qualification criteria for cycling, judo, sailing and canoe - which is making its Games debut in Rio - have yet to be finalised and are expected to be announced by the end of this month.

Triathlon will also be on the Paralympic programme for the first time in Rio and it is one of eleven sports along with archery, athletics, cycling, equestrian, powerlifting, shooting, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair tennis that are offering athletes the opportunity to secure a Games spot through the Bipartite Invitation Commission.

The IPC and the relevant International Federation (IFs) use the Bipartite Invitation Commission to offer places on a discretionary basis to athletes who have not had the chance to meet the qualification criteria due to extraordinary circumstances.

Universality wildcards may also be offered to athletes from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) that have been unable to qualify any athletes for the Games.

Cycling is one of eleven sports that will offer athletes a chance to participate at Rio 2016 using the Bipartite Invitation Commission ©Getty Images

























NPCs have until April 30, 2016, to submit an 'Accreditation Long List' to the Rio 2016 Organising Committee, which must contain complete information about every potential delegation member they are considering sending to the Games.

This list should include qualified athletes as well as those being considered as replacements, substitutes, bipartite candidates and universality wildcard candidates.

It will also include competition assistants such as guide runners, tandem pilots, goalkeepers and boccia assistants, as well as coaches, team physicians, administrators, physiotherapists, caretakers, press attachés, Paralympic attachés and Chefs de Mission – along with NPC Presidents, secretaries general and accompanying guests.

To view the confirmed IPC qualification guide for Rio 2016 for each sport click here.

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