Sakina Khatun has threatened to commit suicide if she is not selected for Gold Coast 2018 ©Twitter

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have blamed the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for the exclusion of powerlifter Sakina Khatun from this year's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

Although the IOA acknowledged that Khatun had qualified in time for the event, they claimed it was the PCI who failed to submit the athlete’s paperwork on time.

Khatun has threatened to commit suicide if she is not selected. 

The  Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) announced last week they were looking into the possibility of adding Khatun to the field for the women's lightweight under 61 kilogram event at Gold Coast 2018. 

were looking into the possibility of a late call-up for women’s lightweight (under-61 kilogram) lifter Khatun, who has allegedly threatened to commit suicide if she is not selected.

As reported by Indian Express, in a letter to PCI chief executive Shahrukh Shamshad, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta wrote: "As governing body of Paralympic movement in India, PCI ought to have been aware that the deadline of qualification for para powerlifting in 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games was October 31, 2017.

"The IOA sent letters to all participating member National Sports Federations including the PCI on August 2, September 18, October 4 and October 9, 2017, regarding accreditation and entries for Gold Coast 2018 2018.

"There was no timely reply from PCI irrespective of repeated reminders."

Sakina Khatun competed for India at Glasgow 2014 but faces the prospect of having to miss Gold Coast 2018 because the Paralympic Committee of India did not complete the paperwork correctly ©Getty Images
Sakina Khatun competed for India at Glasgow 2014 but faces the prospect of having to miss Gold Coast 2018 because the Paralympic Committee of India did not complete the paperwork correctly ©Getty Images

Mehta added: "The last date for IOA to submit the Universality Invitation application for para powerlifting athlete qualification was 8 December 2017.

"The last date for sending back the confirmation for para powerlifting was 22 December 2017."

Mehta claimed the PCI’s mistake has put his organisation in an embarrassing situation and has sought an explanation.

"In the case of Ms Khatun, the PCI did not send her name before the deadline," he wrote.

"The omission from your end is a serious mistake, which has caused a lot of distress for the athlete and also embarrassment for the IOA.

"We request you to please explain and clarify the lapse from your end."

According to the CGF, India had only submitted the names of male powerlifters for the Games at Gold Coast 2018 but they are reviewing the situation following Khatun’s suicide threat.

Khatun has reportedly pleaded her case to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.