🏁 Athlete Classification

The Bihar Para Sports Association (BPSA) follows a scientific and ethical athlete classification process as defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Classification ensures fair and equitable competition by grouping athletes with similar impairments in the same competitive categories.

📚 What is Classification?

Classification is the cornerstone of Para Sports. It determines who is eligible to compete and how athletes are grouped for competition. The process ensures that performance outcomes are determined by training, skill, and competitive spirit rather than degree of impairment.

🧩 Classification Categories

Based on the comprehensive classification framework developed by Dr. Shivajee Kumar and international standards, athletes are grouped into the following types:

  • Physical Impairments – e.g., amputations, spinal cord injuries
  • Intellectual Impairments – cognitive disabilities affecting performance
  • Visual Impairments – partial or full blindness
  • Neurological Conditions – cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury
  • Wheelchair-specific classifications – for sports requiring seated posture
  • Transplant and rare conditions – recognized under special codes

🔍 The Classification Process

The classification process involves:

  1. Medical and functional assessment by trained classifiers
  2. Sport-specific skill evaluation
  3. Observation in competition settings (provisional/confirmed status)
  4. Assignment of classification code (e.g., T/F 11–13 for visual, T/F 51–57 for wheelchair track/field)

BPSA strictly adheres to PCI Classification Policies and the IPC Classification Code to ensure integrity, accuracy, and athlete welfare.

📘 Classification in Practice

Each Para sport has a unique classification system. Examples:

  • Para Athletics: T/F 11–13 (visual), T/F 20 (intellectual), T/F 31–38 (neurological), T/F 40s (short stature, limb deficiency)
  • Wheelchair Basketball: Point-based system from 1.0 (high impairment) to 4.5 (minimal impairment)
  • Para Swimming: S1 to S14 classes depending on functional mobility and stroke

📖 Educational Resources

BPSA refers to authoritative resources including:

  • “Disability Sports Handbook” by Dr. Shivajee Kumar
  • “Para Athletics Handbook” for classification, training, and competition strategy
  • IPC Classification Portal

🤝 Who Conducts Classifications?

Classifications are performed by trained professionals—medical classifiers, technical classifiers, and sport-specific experts—recognized by PCI and IPC. BPSA regularly hosts classification camps at state and district levels to provide inclusive access to all eligible athletes.

📩 Need Classification?

If you're an aspiring Para athlete from Bihar and would like to begin your journey, contact us to participate in the next athlete classification camp.

📍 Address: 103, Sheela Complex, New Bahadurpur, Rajendra Nagar, Patna – 800016
✉ Email: paralympicbihar@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +91 94310 15499
🌐 Website: https://biharparasports.org
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