The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has officially announced its decision to maintain the ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus, prohibiting their participation in the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics in 2025. This resolution follows extensive discussions and a meeting held by the IPC with members of various International Sports Federations.
The decision to uphold the ban was finalized on October 23, emerging from talks between the IPC and its member organizations. This prolonged exclusion of Russian and Belarusian Paralympic athletes has been in effect since 2022, initiated in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, this recent confirmation contradicts a previous move by the IPC in September, when it had temporarily lifted the ban, allowing athletes from both nations to compete under a neutral flag. However, after further consultations, the collective sports federations participating in the Paralympic Games ultimately denied access to Russia and Belarus, extending the prohibition to include all qualifying rounds leading up to the Italian Winter Paralympics.
Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC, addressed the situation in a statement, affirming the committee’s stance. He stated, “The IPC fully respects the decision of the General Assembly to continue to ban members of Belarus and Russia from the tournament. We abide by the decisions of each International Sports Federation regarding the sport they also control the ban.”
This decision aligns with actions taken by other major sporting bodies. Previously, the International Ice Skating Federation and International Skateboarding (FIS) had controversially voted to disallow Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in their competitions in Italy, even when they sought to compete as neutral athletes. Similarly, the International Biathlon Union continues to enforce the same ban on Russian and Belarusian participants.
The Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics are scheduled to take place from March 6 to March 15, 2025.
