India to Host Landmark International Seminar on Para Sports Classification

This Seminar will be held on 29–30 May 2025 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: The Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI), in collaboration with World Abilitysport, is organizing  International Awareness Seminar on Classification in Para Sports on 29–30 May 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

This two-day event aims to educate and empower the para sports ecosystem in India and South Asia by addressing the urgent need for trained national classifiers — a critical yet missing link in India’s journey towards inclusive and competitive para sports.

Why Classification Matters

Classification is the cornerstone of the Paralympic Movement. It determines which athletes are eligible to compete and ensures that they are grouped appropriately to create a level playing field. It is not the degree of impairment, but athletic skill and training that should decide the outcome. Currently, India lacks a single certified national classifier — resulting in limited access, high costs, and delays in athlete progression.

Seminar Objectives

The seminar is a crucial step toward:

Raising awareness of classification systems in para sports

Training and developing Indian classifiers at grassroots level

Ensuring fair play and reducing dependency on international systems

Making the classification process more accessible and cost-effective

Creating opportunities for doctors, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation experts to become certified classifiers

Who Should Attend

This seminar is especially relevant for:

Doctors, physiotherapists, rehabilitation professionals — ideal profiles to become classifiers

Sports administrators, coaches, athletes, and institutions seeking clarity on the classification process

Professionals interested in building a career in para sports officiating and international classification

Attendees will gain insights into:

What classification is and how it works

Who can become a classifier and the eligibility criteria

The process of enrollment, training, certification, and career path

Opportunities for national and international growth and contribution to para sports

Distinguished Global Experts

The seminar features world-renowned speakers:

Craig Carscadden, IPC Classifier

Penny Broomhead, IPC Classifier

Dr. Halim Jebali, IPC Classifier

Charmaine Hooper, CEO, World Abilitysport

Their expertise will offer valuable perspectives and guidance on building a sustainable classification framework.

International Participation

In addition to Indian delegates, the seminar will host official representatives from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh, fostering regional collaboration in the para sports movement.

A Mission-Driven Initiative

CPSFI President Rajesh Tomar emphasized, “This seminar fulfills a long-standing goal since our recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports — to promote classification awareness from the grassroots level. Building our own pool of classifiers will lead to fairer competition, eliminate unnecessary costs, and reduce the risk of misclassification.”

Registrations Now Open

Limited seats available. Visit:

👉 https://www.cpsfi.org/seminar.