Winter Paralympics: Milan Cortina Games to open amid war in Middle East, boycott over Russian flag

"Ukraine is leading the list of countries not attending the opening ceremony in Verona to protest the decision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to allow Russian athletes to compete under their own flag and with their national anthem. The Russian flag hasn't been flown at the Paralympics since the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, while the national anthem has not been heard at any Olympics or Paralympics since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games."

"The opening ceremony will take place at the Arena di Verona, marking the first time a Paralympic ceremony is held at a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient Arena has been retrofitted with new wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms along with other safety upgrades. The Milan Cortina Games mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics."

"Just hours before the opening ceremony, the IPC said Iran would not participate in the Paralympics because Para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, the country's only athlete set to compete, could not travel safely to Italy. To not compete at a Paralympic Winter Games because of factors outside of his control after years of training and dedication is heartbreaking for the athlete and our sympathies are with Aboulfazl at this difficult time, IPC president Andrew Parsons said."

The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics officially opened in Verona, Italy, amid significant geopolitical tensions stemming from Middle East conflicts. Ukraine led a boycott of the opening ceremony to protest the International Paralympic Committee's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under their own flag and national anthem, marking the first time since the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. The ceremony took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Arena di Verona, which underwent accessibility upgrades including wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms. The Games represent the 50th Winter Paralympics anniversary, featuring over 600 athletes competing in 79 events across six sports, with record female participation. Iran withdrew from the competition as its sole athlete, Para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, could not travel safely to Italy due to regional military tensions.

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