Sports Ministry issues show cause notice to PCI

Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda's silver medal in Paralympics 2012 had been making headlines across media over the past week, but that was until alleged (mis) doings of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) stole the thunder from under the high jumper's nose.

The last twenty four hours have seen a spate of allegations made by players against the callous and casual approach of PCI officials during Paralympics 2012. So much so that now even the Sports Ministry has issued a showcause notice to PCI asking them to respond within 15 days to the allegations.

The Ministry came into action after receiving complains from Indian participants at the London Paralympics. On Thursday Arjuna awardee power lifter Farmaan Basha wrote an open petition to the Sports Ministry requesting stern action against PCI members as they didn't allow his coach and wife to stay in the Games Village which affected his performance at the event. He alleged that that the passes of escorts and coaches at the Games Village are being used by officials of the PCI. Notably, Basha managed to get 5th place in the 48kg Powerlifting event.

The Ministry also received a similar complaint from another athlete Amit Kumar Saroha, a wheel chair participant at the London Paralympics 2012. His coach was left stranded outside the village.
 
The Ministry's notice is addressed to the President and Secretary-General of the Paralympic Committee of India and mentions the names of five more coaches and escorts who were denied their right to attend the event. Sports Minister Ajay Maken had tweeted on Friday afternoon that the ministry is issuing a showcause notice to PCI.
 
The PCI has been called upon to explain why the government should not take up the case of PCI for suspension/withdrawal of recognition as per clause 8 & 10 of Annexure-III of Scheme of Assistance to NSFs. The PCI has fifteen days to respond to this notice.