Para-athlete Vinod Kumar, who had received the bronze medal within the discus throw occasion (F52 class) on the Tokyo Paralympics final August, was on Tuesday suspended for 2 years for ‘intentional misrepresentation’ of his talents.
Accusing the Indian of dishonest, World Para Athletics, in a press release on its web site, mentioned the Board of Appeal of Classification (BAC) imposed the two-year sanction that may make Kumar ineligible to compete in para-athletics competitions till August 2023.
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They added that his competitors performances weren’t constant together with his classification performances.
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“The World Para Athletics commenced disciplinary proceedings with the BAC after Kumar intentionally misrepresented his abilities when he presented for classification at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games,” the world physique mentioned in a press release. “Under the World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations, it is a disciplinary offence for an athlete to intentionally misrepresent their skills or abilities and/or the degree or nature of their impairment. It is also a disciplinary offence for any athlete support person to assist, conceal or be complicit in any Intentional Misrepresentation by an athlete.”
At the Games, Kumar had produced a greatest throw of 19.91m to complete third behind Piotr Kosewicz (20.02m) of Poland and Velimir Sandor (19.98m) of Croatia. Soon after the occasion, nonetheless, the outcomes have been put underneath overview. A day later, the organisers introduced the ‘amendment’ of the outcome.
Kumar was discovered to be ineligible for the boys’s F52 discus medal because the classification panel was ‘unable to allocate’ him a ‘sport class’ after commentary and re-assessment, a press release issued by the Games’ technical delegates learn. The resolution meant Kumar didn’t win a medal.
Athletes who participate within the F52 class have good shoulder and higher physique management however lack motor expertise of their arms and fingers together with none or restricted trunk and leg perform.
Christian Holtz, Managing Director of World Para Sports, was quoted as saying: “Intentional Misrepresentation is a very serious offence and athletes are required to give their best effort when presenting to a classification panel. The classification system is crucial to ensure fair competition and this case shows how committed World Para Athletics is to protect the integrity of the sport.”
