The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has re-elected Andrew Parsons for a third consecutive term at its 2025 General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. But the move that has drawn global attention is the lifting of partial bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes. Yet, despite the decision, their participation in the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina remains in serious doubt.
Ban Lifted, But Hurdles Remain
Speaking during his visit to India at the ongoing World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) in New Delhi, Parsons clarified that although the IPC lifted sanctions, Russian and Belarusian athletes can only return if the international federations governing winter para sports also end their suspensions.
Even then, with less than six months left for qualification events, a major challenge is whether these athletes will have sufficient opportunities to earn spots at the Games in Italy.
Parsons: IPC Decision Must Be Implemented
It’s a decision taken by the IPC General Assembly…so my job now is to implement what they have decided. We are still working on some of the details…Russia and Belarus are now reinstated with the same rights as other member nations.
Background Of The Suspension
The IPC had imposed a partial suspension on Russia and Belarus in 2023 following their joint invasion of Ukraine. This is why athletes from both nations at the 2025 WPAC are competing under the neutral designation NPA (National Paralympic Athlete).
At the 2024 Paris Summer Paralympics, the same arrangement applied, with Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under a neutral flag.
Russia’s troubles with the Paralympic Movement, however, go further back. Its flag was last seen at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. Following a major doping scandal, Russia was banned from the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics, and its athletes competed neutrally at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics and the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games.
The National Paralympic Committees of both Russia and Belarus remained suspended during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Focus On Milan-Cortina 2026
Parsons emphasised that the IPC’s immediate priority is to clarify whether Russian and Belarusian para-athletes will be eligible for the 2026 Winter Games.
Obviously our focus is on the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics. So, we are talking to the international federations where they are when it comes to participation of Russia and Belarus.
IOC Allows, But Federations Block
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics as neutrals. But for the Paralympics, the final call lies with the six international federations governing winter para sports:
• Para alpine skiing
• Para cross-country skiing
• Para snowboarding
• Para biathlon
• Para ice hockey
• Wheelchair curling
So far, none of these federations have lifted suspensions on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
Federations Hold The Key
The International Federations take precedence over the IPC. So, if they are suspended by an International Federation, then even if they are not suspended by the IPC, it means they can’t participate in that sport. That’s the dialogue we are now having with the federations.
