Beijing 2022: IPC declines athlete entries from RPC and NPC Belarus

International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board has decided to refuse the athlete entries from the RPC and NPC Belarus for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. Russia and Belarus athletes have been through numerous suspensions and sanctions from various sports authorities since Day 1 of Ukraine’s invasion last week.

Following a specially convened meeting, the para-athletes from these respective countries will no longer be allowed to participate in the Games, scheduled from March 4 onwards.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “At the IPC we are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix. However, by no fault of its own, the war has now come to these Games and behind the scenes, many Governments are influencing our cherished event.

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“The IPC is a membership-based organisation, and we are receptive to the views of our member organisations.

“When our members elected the Board in December 2021 it was to maintain and uphold the principles, values, and rules of the Paralympic Movement. As Board members that is a responsibility and duty we take extremely seriously.”

“Looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic Movement”

The IPC President added: “In taking our decision yesterday we were looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic Movement. We are fiercely proud of the principles and values that have made the Movement what it is today.

“However, what is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games.

“Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing.

“With this in mind, and to preserve the integrity of these Games and the safety of all participants, we have decided to refuse the athlete entries from RPC and NPC Belarus.

“Athlete welfare is and always will be a key concern for us. As a result of today’s decision 83 para-athletes are directly impacted by this decision. However, if RPC and NPC Belarus remain here in Beijing then nations will likely withdraw. We will likely not have viable Games. If this were to happen, the impact would be far wider-reaching.

“I hope and pray that we can get back to a situation when the talk and focus are fully on the power of sport to transform the lives of persons with disabilities, and the best of humanity.”

Also Read | IIHF bans Russia, Belarus from its competitions ‘until further notice’