Iran will not participate in the Paralympics in Milan

Iran will not participate in the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This was announced on Friday by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which said that no Iranian athlete can safely travel to the event due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Iranian National Paralympic Committee had planned to send two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei. He was scheduled to compete in two medal events in cross-country skiing on March 10 and 11.

However, according to the IPC, the current security situation makes it impossible for him to travel to Italy. Khatibi Mianaei has already competed in the Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang in 2018 and Beijing in 2022, and Milan-Cortina was to be his third appearance at the Games.

According to IPC President Andrew Parsons, the committee and the organising committee of the Games have been looking for alternative options for the safe transport of the Iranian delegation since the beginning of the conflict. However, the ongoing security situation poses too great a risk.

The Iranian flag was therefore removed from the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony at the Arena di Verona.

(reuters, max)