New PCI President Rao Interjeet Singh has targeted overturning the body's suspension from the IPC ©YouTube

Required changes have been made by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) following their suspension from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and they expect to resume their membership soon, the body's new President Rao Interjeet Singh has claimed.

Singh, also India's Minister of State for Defence, was elected President following the sacking of Rajesh Tomar in May following financial irregularities.

It followed the body's suspension by the IPC for "gross mismanagement" the previous month.

A member of the Indian shooting team from 1990 to 2003, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Shooting Championship, Singh claimed that the manner in which his election was conducted fits with all the international demands.

He is hopeful of recognition from the Government as well as the IPC, claiming differences within the body have now been resolved.

"I have been elected PCI chief unopposed," he said.

"Recently, the body was in news for its derecognition by Indian Government and the International Paralympic Committee.

"In the past few days, when we realised that our children will suffer because of this, who will not be able to take part in international competitions.

"In this last one year of hard work, all the disputing groups got together and I was elected unopposed.

"Today, we are waiting to get recognition from the Indian Government and International Paralympic Committee gradually, so that our children do not face any problem in participating in international level competitions."

Indian athletes risk not being able to compete under their own flag at Rio 2016 if the situation is not resolved ©Getty Images
Indian athletes risk not being able to compete under their own flag at Rio 2016 if the situation is not resolved ©Getty Images

As well as financial problems, the body had experienced many other setbacks, including at the National Para-Athletics Championships in Ghaziabad, where athletes were reportedly accommodated in uncompleted buildings and without access to drinking water and toilets.

This marked the third suspension for the PCI since its formation in 1991, for what was described as gross mismanagement following a catalogue of problems and conflicts between different groups and individuals.

Next month's IPC General Assembly in Mexico City on November 14 and 15 appears an opportunity for futher discussions.



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