Russia: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has decided not to impose a complete ban on Paralympic participation for athletes from Russia and Belarus in the upcoming games next year.
Competitors from Russia and Belarus can participate in Paris as neutral athletes due to the partial suspension of their National Paralympic Committees by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both Russia and Belarus have been suspended from Paralympic competition. The Paris Games in 2024 will begin on August 28.
Para-athletes from Russia and Belarus can participate in world and regional championships, as well as approved competitions in six specific sports where the IPC acts as the international federation, but only in a neutral capacity.
In a statement on Friday, Paralympics GB (British Paralympic Association) expressed their disappointment with the decision, stating that it doesn’t align with the values of the Paralympic movement.
Global Athlete, an organisation that represents athletes’ voices, also voiced disappointment with the decision, stating in a statement that it lacks reason and principle.
Mr. Mihaylo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, mentioned in a statement that the decision “prolongs war.” Meanwhile, IPC President Mr. Andrew Parsons stated that he anticipates all IPC members to “fully respect” the result.
“IPC members voted 90-56 in favour of a motion to partially suspend NPC Russia. This decision was taken after members initially voted against a motion to fully suspend NPC Russia by 74-65 (with 13 abstentions). For a motion to be passed, a 50 percent+ 1 result of all votes cast was required,” IPC said in a statement.
TRENDING | Ukraine President Zelensky Wants ‘complete isolation’ for Russia in 2024 Olympics
