The International Paralympic Committee has confirmed the participation of six Russian athletes and four Belarusians at the Milan-Cortina Games, which open on March 6. With one crucial detail: they will compete under their flag, unlike at the OlympicsUkraine reacted by stating that its officials would boycott the event. They will therefore not be not present at the opening ceremony. Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi, in advance, “ I thanked all the officials of the free world who will do the same. ».
« The flags of Russia and Belarus have no place here. in international sporting events that represent fairness, integrity and respect », He affirms. " The IPC should urgently reconsider this decision. " wrote British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on the X network, arguing that the body was sending " a terrible message ParalympicsGB commented on this news, regretting the IPC's approach.
Le French Paralympic and Sports Committee He also reacted: The international situation has remained unchanged since 2023, as has the CPSF's position. The CPSF regrets that the IPC's proposal to extend the exclusion of Russians and Belarusians was not more widely supported during the vote at the general assembly. »
