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IPC Clears Russian and Belarusian Athletes to Compete Under National Flags at 2026 Paralympics

The decision highlights a split with the IOC, which is limiting Russians and Belarusians at the Winter Olympics to vetted neutral entries.

Overview

  • Six Russians and four Belarusians received bipartite slots for Milan-Cortina, with national flags and anthems permitted, the IPC confirmed.
  • Russia’s allocations span two para-alpine, two para cross-country and two para-snowboard slots, while Belarus received four in para cross-country.
  • It will be the first time the Russian flag is flown and anthem can be played at a Paralympics since Sochi 2014.
  • The IPC move follows a September 2025 membership vote restoring NPC rights and a December CAS ruling that reopened FIS pathways for ranking and invitations.
  • At the concurrent Winter Olympics, 13 Russians and seven Belarusians are competing only as Individual Neutral Athletes without flags or anthems.