Paralympics 2026: International Committee has not reversed its decision regarding Russia and Belarus
24 February 02:50
The General Assembly of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has upheld its decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in the 2026 Winter Paralympics under their national flags. The proposal to restore their “neutral” status or review their participation was not supported. This was announced by IPC President Andrew Parsons, according to "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Reuters.
What the General Assembly decided
In February, the IPC sent invitations to six Russian and four Belarusian athletes. They were allowed to compete under their national flags rather than in neutral status.
According to Parsons, the General Assembly’s decision is final and cannot be overturned by either the board of directors or the IPC president:
“We are a very democratic organization. The issue was considered in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Each time, the General Assembly made a decision, and we complied with it. Neither the board nor I can overturn this decision.”
The IOC President also noted that there are no legal grounds for excluding athletes if they meet the established requirements.
Will there be a political protest?
The IPC emphasized that participation in the opening ceremony should not be politicized, but respects the right of national committees to protest.
Ukraine will not refuse to participate in the Games, but Ukrainian para-athletes and members of the delegation will skip the opening ceremony in protest.
The Czech Paralympic Committee also supported the boycott of the ceremony, and some Polish sports officials will refrain from participating in the celebrations.
When will the Games take place?
The 2026 Winter Paralympics will take place from March 6 to 15, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy). A total of 79 sets of medals will be awarded at the competition.
The IPC’s decision sparked widespread debate in the international sports community and became one of the most talked-about topics ahead of the Paralympics.
