NewKerala.com

IPC Opens New Grants for Fairer Paralympic Classification Research

The International Paralympic Committee has announced a second call for classification research grants under its Sport for Mobility programme. Funding of up to EUR 150,000 is available for IPC Members and International Federations collaborating with scientific communities. The initiative aims to enhance the integrity and fairness of classification systems in Para sports. Applications will remain open until May 31, 2026, with a webinar scheduled for April 29, 2026.

Key Points: IPC Launches 2026 Paralympic Classification Research Grants

  • IPC announces second round of classification research grants
  • Funding up to EUR 150,000 available
  • Applications open until May 31, 2026
  • Research aims to enhance fairness in Para sport classification
2 min read

A year ahead of LA28 Paralympics, IPC announces second call for applications in classification

IPC announces second call for classification research grants up to EUR 150,000 to enhance fairness and integrity in Para sports ahead of LA28 Paralympics.

"The quality and breadth of applications we received in 2025 for Classification Research Grants were exceptional. - Dr Mike Peters PLY"

Bonn, April 27

The International Paralympic Committee is inviting organisations to apply for grants of up to EUR 150,000 to fund multi-disciplinary classification research as part of its coordinated efforts to enhance classification systems and processes in Para sport.

Offered under the IPC's Sport for Mobility programme, this is the second time the IPC has made grant funding available for classification research in the last nine months. Funding opportunities are available for IPC Members and Recognised International Federations, in collaboration with the scientific community. The applications will be open until May 31, 2026.

Classification is the cornerstone of Para sport; it determines athlete eligibility criteria in sport and how athletes are grouped together for competition. Research outcomes conducted under this initiative are thus expected to benefit all IPC members and athletes by enhancing the integrity, credibility, and fairness of Para sports' classification and competition.

Dr Mike Peters PLY, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: "As part of the IPC's ongoing commitment to advancing classification, we are thrilled to launch the second round of classification research grants as part of our Sport for Mobility Para sport development programme.

"The quality and breadth of applications we received in 2025 for Classification Research Grants were exceptional and showed fantastic coordination between International Federations and academic institutions. As the 2025 awarded grant projects get started, we are eager to receive a second round of applications that advance classification and benefit our member organisations and the athletes they serve."

Four bands of funding are available under this second call for applications: up to EUR 30,000, up to EUR 50,000, up to EUR 100,000, and up to EUR 150,000. Projects must be a maximum of 24 months in length and be delivered before October 2028. Research proposals can be submitted according to the information on the IPC 2026 Classification Research Grant Scheme.

A webinar to facilitate grant applications will take place on April 29, 2026.

The IPC is currently working on developing a reliable classification system as it transfers control of all sports under its control to the respective International Federations.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Finally some systematic thinking about Para sports. India has so many talented athletes with disabilities but we lack proper classification infrastructure. These grants could help bridge the gap between our grassroots and international standards. Btw, anyone know if our Sports Authority of India is looking into this? 🤔
R
Rohit P
But why only until May 2026? That's barely over a year. Research takes time, especially when working with athletes from diverse backgrounds. And EUR 150,000 may sound big but for multi-disciplinary research across borders, it's modest. Still, it's a step in right direction. Hope our Paralympic Committee India applies with some good academic partners. 🇮🇳
N
Naveen S
As a physiotherapist working with para athletes in Chennai, I can tell you that classification inconsistencies are a real problem here. Athletes get classified differently in different events and that affects their careers. This IPC initiative could standardize things globally. Ab har saath saath milke kaam karna padega. 👏
K
Karthik V
I hope this isn't just another bureaucratic exercise. The timeline is tight, the funding is competitive, and the applications require collaboration between federations and universities. If we can get IISc or AIIMS involved with a proper proposal, we might actually see some real change. Otherwise it'll just be more paperwork. 😅
P
Priya S
This is genuinely exciting! Classification research isn't just about sports - it has implications for medical assessment, assistive technology, and even workplace accessibility. India has a huge pool of people with disabilities who could benefit from better standardized classification systems. 🇮

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50