IPC Confirms Neutral Status for 88 Russian Athletes at Paris Paralympics
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has confirmed that a total of 88 athletes from Russia will compete under a neutral flag at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Additionally, eight competitors from Belarus will also participate as neutrals, according to IPC spokesperson Craig Spence, who made the announcement during a press briefing.
Due to the ongoing geopolitical situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from both Russia and Belarus are required to compete under a neutral designation. The IPC, along with various international sporting federations, has been facilitating a structured reintegration of these athletes into the sports community under stringent guidelines.
To qualify for participation, the athletes who met the necessary performance thresholds underwent a rigorous verification process conducted by a third-party agency. This agency was responsible for ensuring that the athletes did not show active support for the conflict in Ukraine nor were they associated with their countries’ military forces.
It is noteworthy that the IPC’s procedures echo those established earlier by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the summer Olympic Games, where 32 neutral athletes were allowed to compete. One significant distinction between the Paralympic and Olympic events is that World Para Athletics has opted to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in their respective para-athletics competitions, a privilege that was not extended to their Olympic counterparts.
However, it is important to highlight that Russian and Belarusian Paralympians will not be allowed at the opening ceremony scheduled for Wednesday in central Paris. This decision underscores the ongoing complexities arising from the geopolitical tensions affecting international sporting events.
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