CGF award Sakina Khatun conditional slot in CWG
After being left out of the Indian para-sport team for the 2018 CWG, Sakina Khatun has now been awarded a conditional slot by the CGF in the womenâs lightweight Para Powerlifting event. The IOA requested the CGF to allow Khatunâs participation in the Games after she threatened to commit suicide.
The 2014 Gamesâ bronze medalist was initially not included in the Indian para-sport team for the Gold Coast CWG after her entry for the CWG wasnât originally sent by the Paralympics Committee of India (PCI). In frustration, the 28-year-old threatened to commit suicide, and on IOAâs request, the CGFÂ has now granted a conditional slot to her in view of the âexceptional circumstancesâ she had faced.
âThe CGF confirmed that, with the agreement of IPC (International Paralympic Committee), that, given the exceptional circumstances, Ms. Sakina Khatun should be awarded a conditional slot in womenâs lightweight Para Powerlifting event at the Games. The CGF asked CGA India to confirm acceptance of the conditional slot, which it has now done,â a statement from the CGF said, reported PTI.
âAs such, the slot is conditional on the CGF receiving confirmation from CGA India that a report has been provided by a recognized medical professional demonstrating the athleteââŹâ˘s mental well-being is such that she can cope with the associated pressures of competing on the international stage,â a spokesperson of the CGF said.
The CGFÂ has demanded IOA to provide them with a report before March 2 from a recognized medical professional demonstrating her mental well-being to compete in the multi-sport event.
âWe will do the necessary procedure and send the report before the deadline. The CGF confirmed that it reserves the right to withdraw the slot if CGA India fails to submit this confirmation and/or the information provided does not satisfy the CGFs concerns in respect to the well-being of the athlete. The CGF is currently awaiting the medical report, but has received assurances from CGA India that the documentation will be provided by the deadline,â the CGF said in the statement, reported PTI.Â
Earlier, the IOA had blamed the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for Khatunâs exclusion from the countryâs team for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The IOA had said that the PCI did not send Khatunâs name before deadline despite repeated reminders.