A dramatic and rapid turn by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) means that athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be able to compete in the Beijing Winter Paralympics as sanctions for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to bite into the sports world. .
Less than 24 hours earlier, the IPC had said that athletes from the countries could compete as neutrals in the Games.
However, on Thursday, the IPC said it had now decided to “reject the participation of athletes” by the Russian Paralympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee of Belarus after other countries and athletes threatened not to compete, “endangering the viability of the Winter Paralympics.” “Beijing 2022,” IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a statement.
Parsons later went into more detail about threats from other countries’ National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) to boycott the Games in a press conference.
“We were told that if we did not reconsider our decision, it could now have serious consequences for the Winter Games,” Parsons said.
“Multiple NPCs, some of whom have been contacted by governments, their teams and athletes, are threatening not to compete.”
Games “about sending a strong integration message”
Russia intended to send 72 athletes to Beijing, while Belarus had a team of 12. Russian athletes competed in the Olympics as the Russian Olympic Committee, but Parsons said the subsequent invasion had put the IPC in a “unique and weak position.” near the start of the Games on Friday.
“Athletes’ well-being will always be a priority for us,” he said. “If Russian and Belarusian athletes lived in Beijing, the nations would be likely to withdraw and a viable Struggle would not be possible.
“The atmosphere in the Games village is not pleasant. The situation there is escalating and has become unbearable … The Games are not just about gold, silver and bronze, but also to send a strong message of integration.”
Parsons acknowledged that the decision could leave his body open to legal challenges, but said he was confident it was right.
mp / mf (dpa, AP)
Add Comment