Wheelchair rugby, also known as quad rugby, is an action-packed team sport designed for athletes with physical impairments, particularly those affecting upper and lower limb mobility. It is one of the most physical and intense Paralympic sports, combining elements of basketball, rugby, and handball. Wheelchair rugby debuted at the Paralympic Games in 1996 and has since captivated audiences with its fast-paced and hard-hitting gameplay.
Paralympic Games
World Wheelchair Rugby Championships
Asia-Oceania Championships
Wheelchair rugby, a dynamic and physically demanding team sport, is played by both men and women in quarters lasting eight minutes each.
In this game of invasion and evasion, teams strive to advance the ball into their opponents’ territory by passing or carrying it, ultimately aiming to score points.
Court: Matches take place indoors on a standard-sized basketball court, with the basketball key area replaced by a wheelchair rugby key measuring 8m in width and 1.75m in depth. Each end of the court features a goal line marked by a pylon.
Ball: Official play utilizes a regulation-size volleyball weighing 280g, required to be white in color.
Wheelchairs: Given the sport’s physical nature, wheelchair durability and maneuverability are crucial. Chairs must be lightweight yet sturdy enough to protect players and withstand frequent collisions. Unique wheelchair features include front bumpers and side wings for added protection, along with mandatory spoke protectors and anti-tip devices. All wheelchairs must adhere to International Wheelchair Rugby Federation regulations.
Gloves: Athletes have the option to wear gloves, enhancing their grip on the ball during play.
Wheelchair rugby athletes exhibit a diverse range of muscle movements involving the stomach, back, chest, arms, and legs while executing essential skills such as ball handling and wheelchair maneuvering. These skills encompass passing, catching, carrying, dribbling, pushing, directional changes, tackling, and blocking.
Classification in wheelchair rugby involves assessing athletes’ abilities across various movements and skills, assigning them a point value between 0.5 and 3.5. Classifiers evaluate limb strength, flexibility, sensation, muscle tone, trunk balance, bending, rising, and rotational capabilities. Athletes demonstrate their proficiency in both ball handling and wheelchair skills during practice and actual gameplay.
Players with the most significant impairments are classified as 0.5, typically serving as blockers with limited ball handling. Those classified as 1.0 also primarily block due to upper limb impairments affecting their ball control.
1.5 players mainly function as blockers but may occasionally handle the ball. Players rated 2.0 and 2.5 serve as ball handlers and possess notable shoulder strength, enabling them to generate speed and act as strategic “playmakers.”
Athletes rated 3.0 and 3.5 exhibit strong trunk stability and upper limb functionality, making them the swiftest players on the court with proficient ball handling and passing skills.
In international competition, the total classification points of all players on the court cannot exceed 8.0, unless a female athlete is present, in which case an additional 0.5 points are permitted. Teams may opt for line-ups totaling less than 8.0 points, but not exceeding this limit.
The Paralympic Committee of India is the apex governing body dedicated to promoting and developing Para Sport in the country. The Paralympic Committee of India spearheads the Paralympic Movement, organizes the Paralympic Games, and supports its members, empowering Para athletes to achieve excellence through dedicated training and opportunities.
Jaisalmer House, 26 Mansingh Road,New Delhi - 110011 (India)
28, Sports Authority of Karnataka Building, Gate no. 2, Sree Kanteerava Stadium Kasturba Road, Bengaluru 560001 (India)
Phone : 011-23075126
Telefax: 011-23075226
Email :
© 2025, NPC India - All Rights Reserved. - Website Maintained by
No Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.