Bhubaneswar: Due to the sustained efforts of disability rights activist Jitendra Biswal the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has announced free accommodation and transport for para-athletes at the upcoming 20th Para Athletic Championship.
OMMCOM NEWS had carried out a report on this matter on March 16, highlighting the plight of para-athletes willing to participate in the event. Asking para-athletes to bear their expenses was insensitive and unjustified, said Biswal.
The activist had written a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and also highlighted the matter on social media after coming to know that the PCI has asked participants are to bear their own expenses.
“This is welcome news for para-athletes who will get free transport, lodging and boarding, to attend the event hosted by Para Sports Association of Odisha,” Biswal said.
“PCI president Deepa Malik apprised about the decision through a Tweet on Wednesday night. The decision was taken after assurance from Odisha CM on 10th March,” he added.
Biswal however, has asked PCI to provide details about where the para-athletes will be staying and what amenities will be made available. All this should be posted on PCI’s website for the convenience of the participants, he said.
“Organisers are charging an entry fee of Rs 1000 from each participant. The PCI has updated its website and mentioned it as ‘Annual License & Membership Fee’. The problem with this new announcement is that para-athletes in India are not aware of what the ‘annual license & membership fee’ means and when their membership fees are due,” Biswal added.
