Paralympics bans Russian and Belarusian athletes after international backlash forces U-turn

Barely 24 hours before the Winter Paralympics are due to begin in Beijing, the IPC released a statement explaining that the threat of multiple nations to boycott the Games had forced it’s hand.

The Winter Paralympics committee have confirmed that they have agreed to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the Paralympics after international backlash forced a u-turn.

This comes after international backlash to Wednesday’s decision to let them compete as neutrals.

With barely 24 hours to go before the Paralympics are due to begin, The IPC released a statement confirming that after the threat of multiple nations to boycott the Games was enough to encourage the committee to review their previous decision.

“At the IPC we are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix. However, by no fault of its own the war has now come to these Games and behind the scenes many Governments are having an influence on our cherished event.

Andrew Parsons, the IPC president

The IPC’s decision to ban Russia and Belarus athletes from the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games came after the governing body was heavily criticised for initially agreeing to allow Russian and Belarussian competitors to take part under the Paralympic flag while being left off the medal table.

“What is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games. Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing.”

Andrew Parsons, the IPC president

It adds to the growing list off sporting sanctions to have been imposed against Russia following it’s invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement IPC president Andrew Parsons said: “At the IPC we are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix.

Recently the International Olympic Committee requested all sports to ban athletes and teams from Russia and Belarus from participating in all international competitions after the invasion of Ukraine.

It comes after the World Athletics Council announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes would be excluded from all World Athletics Series events for the foreseeable future.

“Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing,”

“In the last 12 hours an overwhelming number of members have been in touch with us and been very open, for which we are grateful.

IPC Spokesperson

With the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics due to take place this Friday before the competitions begin on Saturday, Russia were due to be represented by approximately 71 athletes while Belarus had entered 12, none of which will now be permitted to take part.

“To the Para athletes from the impacted countries, we are very sorry that you are affected by the decisions your governments took last week in breaching the Olympic Truce. You are victims of your governments’ actions.

“Athlete welfare is and always will be a key concern for us. As a result of today’s decision 83 Para athletes are directly impacted by this decision.

IPC Spokesperson.

The Chinese capital city of Beijing will host a record 650 plus Para athletes from 49 National Paralympic Committees for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games to become the world’s first city to stage both Summer and Winter Games.

Beijing 2022 will run from the 4th-13th of March and see Para athletes competing in 78 events across six Para sports – 39 for men, 35 for women and four mixed events.

The Paralympic emblem artfully transforms 飞, the Chinese character for ´fly.´ It vividly evokes the image of an athlete in a wheelchair rushing towards the finish line and victory. The robust strokes in the upper part and the soft curves below symbolise Para athletes striving for excellence. The emblem also embodies the Paralympic vision of enabling Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.

Designed by Chinese artist Lin Cunzhen, the emblems combine traditional and modern elements of Chinese culture, illustrating the vigour and passion of winter sports while incorporating Chinese calligraphy and emphasising the importance of placing athletes at the centre of the Games.

“Together for a Shared Future” demonstrates unity and a collective effort, embodying the core values and vision of the Olympic Movement, and the goal of pursuing world unity, peace and progress. The motto considered the key values of the Paralympic Games as well, in particular the role they play in contributing to a more inclusive society.

The motto represents the power of the Games to overcome global challenges as a community, with a shared future for humankind. The words reflect the necessity for the world to work together towards a better tomorrow, especially given the difficulties faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women’s slalom will be the last Para alpine skiing event in Beijing and one of the last events on the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games programme. Female athletes are set to conclude seven days of Para Alpine action at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre on Sunday, 13th March.

Beijing was selected as host city in 2015 at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking its second time hosting the Paralympics.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on Friday 4th March 2022 with the closing ceremony to be held on the 13th March 2022.