The development arm of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has pledged the unknown sum to the sport’s worldwide governing body to grow the amount of women’s teams in the zone.

It will also be used to attempt to increase the amount of female competitors playing wheelchair basketball.

The news comes after Australia, silver medallists at London 2012, failed to qualify for Rio 2016.

“IWBF are really pleased to be able to direct the grant from the IPC's Agitos Foundation to the Asia Oceania Zone to help them expand and introduce their female programmes to more of the countries within the Zone, which will increase the number of countries participating in future competitions,” IWBF President Ulf Mehrens said.

It is hoped the news will boost the profile of the sport in the region as the IWBF continues to pursue enhanced participation levels across the world.

“I am thrilled the Asia Oceania Zone will be able to benefit from the grant given to IWBF from the AGITOS foundation,” IWBF Asia Ocenia Zone President Saad Alazma said.

“This grant will assist the Zone in hosting a week-long camp for training and competition for female players from throughout the Asia Oceania Zone.

 “We are specifically targeting players and coaches from nations that do not have strong women's programmes, and we will be offering them the opportunity to train and play under the guidance of world-class coaches.

“Hopefully this will provide the impetus for them to return to their home country and encourage new players and coaches to develop a national programme and eventually a national women's team.

“Increasing the amount of female players in our countries is a priority for our Zone, and we are excited about the prospect of a great camp in Bangkok next March."