The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly has decided to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Winter Paralympics under their respective flags and national anthems, as confirmed by IPC President Andrew Parsons on Monday.
The allocation of 10 combined slots to Russian and Belarusian athletes by the IPC stirred controversy due to the ongoing tensions surrounding Russia’s four-year invasion of Ukraine.
Parsons emphasized that the decision, once made, cannot be reversed by the board or himself, during a press conference held at the Allianz Tower in Milan, Italy.
Following the announcement, Ukraine declared that its team would boycott the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Paralympics in Verona on March 6. The Czech Paralympic Committee also expressed solidarity with Ukraine by making a similar decision, with some Polish officials choosing to abstain as well.
In response to the situation, Parsons encouraged Ukrainian athletes to participate in the ceremony, emphasizing the values of inclusion and diversity. He also noted that the IPC had not received any official communication regarding additional countries planning to withdraw from the opening ceremony.
Russia, which has faced international sporting restrictions due to its actions in Ukraine, criticized the politicization of sports and expressed disapproval of singling out disabled athletes.
The Russian team has been granted spots in Para Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, while Belarus secured four slots exclusively in cross-country skiing.
Despite the Italian government’s opposition to the IPC’s decision, Parsons highlighted ongoing discussions with the host nation to mitigate differences and ensure a supportive environment for all competing athletes.
The Winter Paralympics are scheduled to take place from March 6 to March 15.