Oscar Pistorius 'Can Return to Athletics' Say Sports Chiefs in Controversial Move

Oscar Pistorius could make a controversial return to international athletics after sport chiefs in South Africa opened the door to the convicted killer.

In a statement likely to provoke strong reactions in the country and across the world, South Africa's Olympic Committee insisted it has no objections to Pistorius competing again.

Indeed, the only obstacle in the way of a speedy return for Pistorius, 27, appears to be a prison sentence, which he may receive after being found guilty of culpable homicide for shooting and killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius, who was the global poster boy of disabled sport, killed Steenkamp at his luxury home on Valentine's Day last year.

Tubby Reddy, chief executive of South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, raised the possibility of Pistorius coming back to the track. He said: "As he stands right now, he's free [to compete]."

Reddy's intervention on behalf of Pistorius came after the chief executive of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) last week hailed Pistorius for his contribution to sport.

Speaking on the day Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide, Xavier Gonzalez said: "Oscar was a fundamental ambassador of the Paralympic movement in the period between 2008 and 2012."

He added there were other competitors to which disabled sport could turn to promote its cause but did not elaborate on any athletes.

Pistorius was convicted of a gun charge in addition to culpable homicide, last week. He is due to be sentenced on 13 October and faces the possibility of time behind bars.