Seven countries will boycott the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics in protest against Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their national flag.
According to the International Paralympic Committee, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine will not send athletes or officials to the ceremony in Verona on Friday evening.
The British government also confirmed that it will not be sending representatives to the event. Officials reiterated their opposition to Russia competing under its own flag, The Guardian reported.
“We have been clear that the Russian and Belarusian states should not be represented in international sport as long as the barbaric large-scale invasion of Ukraine continues.”
However, the UK said its sports minister Stephanie Peacock will still attend events in Cortina to support Team GB athletes.
Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, defended the decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under their national flag.
“Our clear focus remains on supporting all stakeholders as they arrive and prepare to deliver the best Paralympic Winter Games,” said Parsons.
He added that the decision was made through the IPC voting process: “I recognize that this decision has not been well received in some parts of the world.”
The 2026 Winter Paralympics mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Games, with around 612 athletes from 56 countries expected to compete at venues in Milan and Cortina.
