At the heart of the conflict in the Middle East, Iran will not be represented at the Paralympic GamesAn Iranian athlete, Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, had qualified in para cross-country skiing. However, the International Paralympic Committee announced that he would ultimately not be present in Italy due to security concerns.
Andrew Parsons, president of the IPC, expressed his bitterness: It really is disappointing for world sport and especially for Aboulfazl that he might not be able to travel safely to his third Paralympic Winter Games. The IPC and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee have been working tirelessly behind the scenes with the CNP and the national ski federation in order to find alternative routes to allow the Iranian delegation to travel to the Games safely. However, given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the risks to human life are too high. »
« Not being able to participate in the Winter Paralympic Games due to factors beyond one's control after years of training and dedication is heartbreaking for the athlete And we are wholeheartedly with Aboulfazl during this difficult time. " says Parsons. In Iran's absence, these are 55 National Paralympic Committees who are therefore competing in these Games.
