IPC and World Para Powerlifting saddened by the passing of Dr. Bassam Qasrawi

World Para Powerlifting and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Bassam Qasrawi of Kuwait, the former World Para Powerlifting Head of Classification and a recipient of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Paralympic Order. 

Dr Qasrawi received the Paralympic Order from IPC President Andrew Parsons at the IPC’s 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Bonn, Germany in 2019.

The Paralympic Order is the highest award a non-athlete can achieve in the Paralympic Movement. The recipients of the award are the ones who have exemplified tremendous Paralympic principles through their actions, made remarkable strides in Paralympic sport or rendered outstanding services to the Paralympic cause.

Qaswari started his journey in the Paralympic Movement in 1963, when he became a member of the Medical Committee in Stoke Mandeville, Great Britain, when Sir Ludwig Guttmann was the chairman. There he became Chairman of the Medical & Classification Committee for Sport for the Disabled in Arabian Gulf Countries. 

Driven to develop Para sport in his home country, Qasrawi then volunteered as the Medical and Classification Officer at the club he helped to establish, the Kuwait Disabled Sport Club and has proudly continued to volunteer at the club ever since.

His volunteering extended to his roles as a leading international classifier for Para powerlifting, and also Para athletics and fencing. In 2012 he was appointed as the World Para Powerlifting Sport Technical Committee’s Head of Classification.

After receiving the Paralympic Order in 2019, Dr Bassam Qaswari said:

“When I reflect on my career, it is my greatest honour to be involved in Para sports and supporting athletes from around the world begin practising. It is truly special to receive the Paralympic Order and I am very touched.”

The IPC and World Para Powerlifting extend their condolences to the friends and family of Bassam Qaswari.