IPC approves two new Recognised International Federations
The approval of International SAMBO Federation and World Bowls brings to 15 the number of IPC Recognised International Federations 29 Jul 2025
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has approved the Recognised International Federation status for the International SAMBO Federation, and World Bowls which is conditional on completing the merger activity with the International Bowls for the Disabled.
The International SAMBO Federation boasts 101 national federations with 20 currently offering SAMBO for athletes with a vision impairment.
World Bowls has over 60 members across the world with 17 offering sport opportunities for athletes with physical or vision impairment.
Both Recognised International Federations are committed to further increase the number of member federations that offer programmes for athletes with disabilities.
The approval of the two organisations brings to 15 the number of IPC Recognised International Federations.
To become an IPC Recognised International Federation, sport governing bodies must act as the sole worldwide representative of a specific Para sport, demonstrate satisfactory evidence of Para sport activity, be in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the related International Standards, comply at all times with the IPC Classification Code and the related International Standards, and have a formal constitution and regulations.
Only sports that are classed as an IPC International Federation or Recognised International Federation are permitted to submit applications for Para sports to be considered for inclusion in the Paralympic Games sport programme.
The full list of IPC Recognised International Federations features: Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA), International Bobsleigh and Skelton Federation (IBSF), International Bowling Federation, International Federation of CP Football, International Golf Federation, International Handball Federation (IHF), International Hockey Federation, International SAMBO Federation, International Surfing Association, Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), World Armwrestling Federation, World Bowls, World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), World Karate Federation, and World Sailing.
