We are awaiting revocation of suspension by International Paralympic Committee: PCI president Rao Inderjeet

New Delhi: After putting its house in order, the Paralympic Committee of India, which was suspended by its parent world body for internal disputes and infighting, now awaits an approval by the government as well as International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to return to their fold.

Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit, who was recently elected unopposed as the new president of the PCI said recognition of the organisation will help differently abled sportsmen to participate at international competitions.

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

He was speaking after the closing ceremony of NCC National Games 2015. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Director General NCC Lt Gen Aniruddha Chakravarty were also present during the event.

In April 2015, the IPC suspended the PCI for internal disputes and poor treatment meted out to the players who were kept in unhygienic and poor conditions during National Para Athletics Championships.

The NCC Games, conducted by Directorate General of NCC, were attended by nearly 2000 cadets from 17 Directorates representing all the states and Union Territories. The cadets participated in eight sports disciplines like football, hockey, kho-kho, kabaddi to shooting, athletics, among others.

Overall Champions Trophy for 2015 was presented to Punjab-Haryana Chandigarh Directorate. West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate bagged the runners-up trophy.

Besides this, the closing ceremony of NCC Games 2015 saw a scintillating display of choreographed dance by NCC cadets. The thrilling and daring display of the 'Dare Devils' Motor Cycle Display Team from Indian Army took the audience by surprise.

Adding to the enchanting evening was breathtaking and synchronised show of Sarang helicopters which was finetuned with the majestic sound of marching bands against the golden sunset.