Several countries have announced they will boycott the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Verona, Italy, in protest at the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags and anthems. The Paralympics, set to run from March 6 to 15 in Milan, Val di Fiemme and Cortina d’Ampezzo, are facing growing diplomatic tensions just days before the event begins.
The IPC in February granted 10 combined slots — six for Russian and four for Belarusian athletes — enabling their participation with full national symbols for the first time since bans were imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine and European allies, who argue that the decision undermines the sporting community’s values amid ongoing conflict.
At least eight nations, including Ukraine, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Netherlands, have said they will skip the ceremonial parade of nations on March 6 in Verona. Additional governments and public broadcasters have also refused to cover the opening ceremony in solidarity with the protest. Critics argue that the presence of Russian and Belarusian flags at the ceremony sends the wrong political signal while the war in Ukraine continues.
Despite the boycott, organizers expect over 600 athletes to compete in the Games, with volunteers and video tributes planned to represent delegations that do not attend the ceremony.
…news as reported
