The Paralympic Games stand as a testament to human resilience and sporting excellence, showcasing athletes overcoming significant physical challenges to compete at the highest level. However, beneath the surface of this inspiring spectacle lies a complex system of athlete classification, which, while intended to create a level playing field, can often become a source of frustration, uncertainty, and even controversy for para-athletes.
Para-badminton player Sukant Kadam, set to compete in his maiden Paralympics in Paris, provides a personal account of the unpredictable nature of classification. His initial placement in the SL3 category, which necessitates playing on a half-width court due to the severity of disability, was overturned during his first international tournament, leading to a sudden shift to the SL4 category. This unexpected change forced Kadam to adapt to a full court, learn new rules, and compete against established athletes, leaving him disillusioned and sidelined for two years. Yet, he persevered, ultimately returning to the sport and securing his first international medal.
Deepa Malik, a renowned para-athlete and former president of the Paralympic Committee of India, shares similar experiences with classification. Her journey, from swimming to athletics, was marked by numerous classification challenges. After being misclassified in the F54 category for javelin throw, leading to a potential disqualification, Deepa was reclassified into the F53 category, eliminating her javelin event. Despite this setback, she embraced shot put, a sport she had some experience with, and went on to win a bronze medal, eventually achieving a silver at the Rio Games in the same category. Deepa’s story, however, is marred by protests from fellow Indian athletes, highlighting the nationalistic pressures and rivalries that can impact classification.
Ekta Bhyan, a club thrower in the F51 category, emphasizes the need for greater awareness and resources regarding classification. While acknowledging the availability of comprehensive resources from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), she points out the language barrier, as these resources are predominantly in English. Ekta’s journey has also been affected by the unpredictable nature of classification, as witnessed by her event, F51, being omitted from the Paris Games, a common occurrence in the Olympic and Paralympic cycles where events and classes are rotated in and out.
The case of Vinod Kumar, a para-discus thrower who was stripped of his bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics due to concerns about his classification, exemplifies the potential for deliberate misrepresentation and the scrutiny that can follow. While some athletes may mistakenly be placed in the wrong category due to changes in their abilities or deliberate exaggeration of their disabilities, the latter poses a serious ethical challenge, comparable to doping in mainstream sports.
Manish Rana, Director of Sports Development and Performance at the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), acknowledges the diverse and complex nature of classification across different disciplines. He stresses the importance of a minimum impairment criterion and the need for thorough assessment of underlying health conditions to determine eligibility for para sports. He also highlights the potential for grey areas in classification, especially for disabilities like cerebral palsy or spinal cord injuries where visual evidence may not be readily available.
The IPC’s new classification code, set to be implemented next year, aims to address these concerns by requiring athletes to provide evidence for their underlying health conditions, further strengthening the process and preventing malpractice. The need for clarity, transparency, and robust processes within classification is critical for ensuring fair play and promoting the true spirit of Paralympic sports. As the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, it is vital that the complexities of classification are addressed, allowing every athlete to compete on a level playing field and showcase their extraordinary abilities.
