New classification rules for disabled athletes have been agreed at an extraordinary meeting of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
The online vote saw 98% of delegates agree to the changes, which are aimed at better standardization across sports and for individual events. Verification of underlying health conditions and assessments of minimum impairment criteria form part of the new code.
Additionally, a new international standard has been produced for detecting, investigating, and proceeding with cases of intentional misrepresentation.
"This version of the code delivers the highest standards of classification ever seen and will strengthen the Paralympic Movement," IPC president Andrew Parsons said in a statement after Friday's extraordinary general assembly.
The Paris Paralympics set for August 28-September 8 will use the old regulations. The new rules come into effect in January 2025 for summer sports and July 2026 for winter sports, after the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo.