The Asian Paralympic Committee is deeply saddened and extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr Bassam Qasrawi, who passed away on Thursday, 1 June 2023.
Dr. Qasrawi was a prominent figure in the development of Paralympic Movement in Asia. The Kuwaiti’s contribution in the fields of classification in Para Powerlifting has been immense and it has benefited the Paralympic Movement not just Asia but globally.
His outstanding services to the Paralympic cause was awarded with the Paralympic Order bestowed to him by International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons at the IPC’s 30th Anniversary in 2019.
Dr. Qasrawi was also an esteemed member of the Medical Committee in Stoke Mandeville when Sir Ludwig Guttmann was the chairman. It was here that his lifetime dedication to the progression of the Paralympic Movement began, as he became Chairman of the Medical & Classification Committee for Sport for the Disabled in Arabian Gulf Countries.
He also has contributed to the Paralympic cause through volunteering services in several Para sports. In 2012 he was appointed as the World Para Powerlifting Sport Technical Committee’s Head of Classification.
Besides, he contributed to the development of Para Athletics classification and worked together for more than 25 years in the development of Para Sports around the world.
Tarek Souei, APC CEO said: “The Paralympic Movement is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Bassam Qasrawi, the founder of Kuwaiti Paralympic Movement. He was a pioneer in the field of classification and medical committees in Parasports in Asia, a trailblazer in his fields who continued to have a profound impact in the Paralympic Movement in Asia. His demise will leave a void in the Asian Paralympic family that will take a long time to heal.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time of grief.”
