Associated Press
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The International Paralympic Committee has lifted partial suspensions in Russia and Belarus.
The IPC General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea voted against a complete suspension of Russia between 111 and 55 on Saturday, with 11 absenteeism and then voted for a partial suspension between 91-77 (eight abstentions).
He also voted for Belarus’ full suspension from 119 to 48, nine abstentions and partial suspension from 103-63 (10 appeals).
This decision will increase the chances of conflict with the governing body of each sport before the Milan Cortina Paralympics held in Italy from March 6-15 next year.
The IPC states, “This decision means that NPC Belarus and NPC Russia will regain full rights and privileges of IPC membership in accordance with the IPC Constitution. The IPC will work with two involved members to implement a reasonably practical arrangement.”
Russia and its allies, Belarus, have been banned from international sporting events after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The press of the Russian Paralympic Committee said in a statement posted on its website that the organization welcomed what was called the IPC’s “fair decision” to “fully revive” the Russian Paralympic Committee.
“This is an important contribution to the development of the international Paralympic movement, an example of the need to protect athletes’ rights without discrimination based on nationality and political affiliation,” the statement read.
Ukrainian sports minister Matvii Bidnyi condemned X’s decision.
“The position of the host country and the organising committee is very important and we are already working closely on this issue,” he said. “We call on European partners, who will host upcoming winter Paralympic games and call on them not to allow the attacker nation’s flag to be raised in a free and democratic space while the attacker’s war continues.”
In a potential boycott by Ukraine, Bidni said, “Define whether to participate will be made collectively at a later stage, depending on many circumstances. When we make this decision, we will be guided solely by freedom and the interests of a united Ukraine.”
The Russian Olympic Committee has been suspended since 2023 by breaking the Olympic Charter, gaining administrative land and incorporating regional sports organizations into eastern Ukraine.
The Russians will be allowed to compete in next year’s Milan Cortina Winter Games, held in Northern Italy from February 6-22. The IOC confirmed last week that, following the system used in last year’s Paris Games, will allow Russians to compete as individual neutral athletes using the French acronym Ain.
