Sports Details
Para Athletics Classification
A Comprehensive Guide
At the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bangladesh, we adhere to the World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations. Classification is essential to ensure that competition is fair and that success is determined by an athlete's skill and preparation. To be eligible, an athlete must have an eligible impairment that meets the minimum criteria established by World Para Athletics.
1. Eligible Impairment Types
There are 10 eligible impairment types in Para Athletics, categorized into physical, vision, and intellectual impairments:
Impairment Category | Description |
|---|---|
Impaired Muscle Power | Reduced ability to voluntarily contract muscles (e.g., Spinal cord injury, Polio, Spina Bifida). |
Impaired Passive Range of Movement | Systematic restriction of movement in one or more joints. |
Limb Deficiency | Total or partial absence of bones or joints due to trauma, illness, or congenital conditions. |
Leg Length Difference | Significant difference in leg length due to growth disturbance or trauma. |
Short Stature | Reduced length in the bones of the upper limbs, lower limbs, and/or trunk. |
Hypertonia | Abnormal increase in muscle tension (e.g., Cerebral Palsy, Stroke). |
Ataxia | Lack of muscle coordination of movements (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). |
Athetosis | Continual slow involuntary movements. |
Vision Impairment | Reduced or no vision caused by damage to the eye structure or optical nerves. |
Intellectual Impairment | Restrictions in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior appearing before age 18. |
Documentation and Requirements
It is the responsibility of the athlete and NPC Bangladesh to ensure all medical documentation is submitted correctly via the SDMS online system.
- Physical & Vision Impairment: Must submit a completed Medical Diagnostics Form (MDF) along with all relevant supporting medical evidence.
- Intellectual Impairment: Must meet the VIRTUS II 1 Eligibility Criteria and be listed on the VIRTUS International Eligibility Master list. A TSAL-Q form must also be submitted.
Important Note: All classification processes follow the World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations (February 2023). Proper documentation is mandatory before any athlete can be officially classified for competition.