Status: 03/03/2022 8:57 a.m
Because of the Ukraine war, Russia and Belarus are not allowed to take part in the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, which start tomorrow. The IPC revised its yesterday’s decision after massive criticism.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be able to take part in the Winter Paralympics in Beijing. This was announced by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The reason is the invasion of Russia in Ukraine.
The decision comes just a day after the IPC gave the green light for athletes from the two countries to compete as neutrals. The reason was that the umbrella organization had followed its rules and that “the athletes were not the aggressors”.
“Following a specially convened meeting, the IPC Board of Directors has decided not to allow athletes to participate in the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games,” the IPC said in a statement.
risk of damage to reputation
The original decision had been heavily criticized. According to the IPC, it is obvious that many athletes would refuse to compete against athletes from Russia or Belarus. This would create chaos at the Paralympics and damage reputation.
IPC President Andrew Parsons stated; “In the last 12 hours an overwhelming number of members have contacted us.” They said yesterday’s IPC decision could have serious consequences.
Parsons added: “What is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation so close to the start of the games has put us in a unique and impossible position.” The IPC joins sports like soccer, track and field, basketball, hockey and others in which blanket bans have been imposed on Russians and Belarusians.
Opening of the Paralympics on Friday
The Winter Paralympics open on Friday and end on March 13th. Parsons also addressed the athletes from Russia and Belarus. “To the para-athletes from the affected countries, we are deeply sorry that you have been affected by the decisions your governments made last week to break the Olympic truce. You are victims of your governments’ actions.”