T20, SH1 and T47: what para-sport classifications mean
T20, SH1 and T47 refer to different sport-specific classification systems; the letters and numbers cannot be compared as if they were one universal scale.
Para-sport classifications are designed to group athletes according to the impact of an eligible impairment on performance in a particular sport. T20 is used in athletics for athletes with intellectual impairment; SH1 is a shooting class; T47 is an athletics class for athletes with an upper-limb impairment. The systems are sport-specific, not interchangeable.
Why the letters differ by sport
Athletics uses track and field class codes such as T20 and T47. Shooting uses its own codes, including SH1. A code should therefore be read alongside the sport and event rather than treated as a general measure of disability.
Classification is intended to reduce the effect of eligible impairment on competition outcomes as far as the rules allow. It does not mean athletes in different sports or classes compete directly against each other.
How to check a classification claim
Use the International Paralympic Committee or the sport’s governing body for the classification description, then use the competition results for an athlete’s event and placing. News reports are useful for results, but a result page alone may not explain the class rules.
This context helps readers interpret Asian Para Games reports without confusing a ranking-round score, a classification code and a medal result.
Editorial note
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Frequently asked questions
Can T20, SH1 and T47 be compared as one scale?
No. They belong to different sport-specific classification systems and must be interpreted in their sport context.