The PCI was named Best National Federation in India ©Paralympic Committee of India

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has been named Best National Sports Federation at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) India Sports Awards.

The awards ceremony was held virtually on Tuesday (December 8).

The event was held alongside the 10th Global Sports Summit, with the ceremony aimed at recognising athletes, coaches, federations, professionals and companies by highlighting their performances and contribution towards sport over the past year.

Both the PCI and the Wrestling Federation of India received the Best National Sports Federation award.

PCI President Deepa Malik welcomed the recognition for the organisation, which she said provided further motivation for the months ahead.

"It’s an acknowledgment of the tremendous teamwork between Sports Ministry, PCI Board members, Para athletes, coaches, officials & all stakeholders involved," Malik said.

"The award has come at the right time when we plan to make PCI an athlete-centric organisation and work towards the overall development of the Para athletes and the Movement in the country.

"The award will also motivate us to move forward in our plans and push our athletes and coaches to work harder towards their Paralympic dreams."

F46 javelin world champion Sundar Singh Gurjar and sprinter Simran Sharma won the male and female Para Athlete of the Year awards at the event.

PCI secretary general Gursharan Singh believes recognition for the organsiation and its athletes shows the continued development of Para-sport in India.

"It's an honour for the entire Paralympic fraternity in the country," Singh said.

"The award is a testament that we are in the right path and we continue to work with the same commitment and dedication towards the development of the Paralympic Movement in the country.

"Congratulations to everyone at PCI and athletes Sundar and Simran."

The PCI was also recently presented with a "Corona Frontliners Award" for its service during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The organisation donated personal protective equipment kits to health workers, while staff donated one day of their salaries to the PM CARES fund in India.

The PCI also held sports science webinars and encouraged athletes who were training at home.