Bonn, October 23 (IANS). The General Assembly of the International Paralympic Committee voted not to maintain the partial suspension of the National Paralympic Committees of Belarus and Russia. This move restored full membership rights and privileges to both countries. This means that Para-athletes from both countries are once again free to participate in the Paralympic Games. They must qualify according to the rules of their respective international federations. Under the Paralympic system, each sport’s international federation is responsible for determining both the qualifications and eligibility of athletes for its events. Following the decision of the IPC General Assembly, the Committee sought confirmation from the four International Federations that included sports in the Milan Cortina (Italy) 2026 Paralympic Winter Games – the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the International Biathlon Union (IBU), World Curling and World Para Ice Hockey. The FIS Council voted on Tuesday, October 21 not to facilitate the participation of athletes from both countries in its qualification programs for Milano Cortina 2026. Similarly, the IBU confirmed that the Belarusian and Russian Biathlon Federations will remain suspended from their competitions in accordance with the decision of the September 2022 IBU Congress. As for para-ice hockey, the IPC’s decision in September technically allows Russia to compete again. World Para Ice Hockey has made it clear that it is virtually impossible for the country to qualify for the March Games. Meanwhile, Belarus currently does not have a para ice hockey team that competes at the international level. In wheelchair curling, World Curling already announced in January 2025 that it would exclude Belarus and Russia from its competitions until the end of the 2024–2025 season. As a result, teams from both countries are ineligible to qualify for Milano Cortina 2026. IPC President Andrew Parsons emphasized the organization’s respect for the autonomy of each federation, saying: “Just as the IPC fully respects the decision of the IPC General Assembly not to uphold the partial suspensions of NPC Belarus decision, we will also fully respect the international relations of the Federation of Russia and NPC Russia.” The current status of FIS, the IBU and World Curling means that athletes and teams from Belarus and Russia cannot compete in their events, making it impossible for them to qualify for the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Belarus and Russia can now participate in Para ice hockey competitions, but in this final stage of the qualification cycle, six teams have already been determined for the qualification tournament for the November Paralympic Games. The Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6 to 15 March 2026. –IANS SUIT
International Paralympic Committee ends suspension of Russia and Belarus
