International Paralympic Committee: Russia's participation in 2026 is a democratic decision
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed on Friday its commitment to allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the upcoming 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, describing the measure as the result of a fair democratic process reflecting the will of the General Assembly, despite a wave of criticism and boycotts announced by some European countries.
The committee's position on Russian participation
In a press statement, International Paralympic Committee spokesperson Craig Spence that the organization fully understands the frustration and anger felt by some member countries regarding the return of Russian athletes to competition. However, Spence emphasized that the decision was not made unilaterally, but rather through a formal vote in which all members participated, with the majority voting in favor of allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as "neutral athletes."
Spence said: "We recognize the sensitivity of the geopolitical situation, but we are a democratically governed organization. We put the matter to a vote, and the General Assembly had its say by accepting the return of these athletes under strict conditions.".
Controversy surrounding the opening ceremony and the diplomatic boycott
These statements come at a time when both the Czech Republic and Ukraine have announced their intention to boycott the opening ceremony of the Games scheduled to be held in Verona, Italy on March 6, 2026. In response, Spence pointed to a confusion between political positions and logistical arrangements.
The spokesperson revealed that several countries, including the Czech Republic, had already decided not to send their athletes to the opening ceremony for purely technical reasons, related to the distance between Verona and the mountain venues, and the athletes' need for rest before the races began the following day. He added, "Some countries are now using the pretext of a political boycott to justify an absence that was originally planned for logistical reasons.".
Historical context and shift in decisions
To understand the implications of this decision, we must look back a bit. The International Paralympic Committee imposed a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, resulting in their absence from the Beijing Winter Games. However, the General Assembly held in Bahrain in 2023 saw a shift in this stance, with a vote in favor of their participation as "individual neutral athletes" (AIN), meaning they could compete without their national flag or anthem being played, and without wearing clothing bearing national symbols.
Expected impact on the international sports movement
This decision has sparked a clear division within the international sports community. On one hand, Western countries believe that allowing Russia's participation indirectly legitimizes the Russian regime while the war continues. On the other hand, international sports organizations, such as the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, adhere to the principle of "sports neutrality" and the principle of not punishing athletes for the actions of their governments.
These tensions are expected to cast a shadow over the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, as we may see more withdrawals or silent protests by athletes refusing to compete alongside their Russian counterparts, putting the organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee under enormous pressure to keep the spirit of competition away from political conflicts.
