Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said the organization will independently decide on the possible admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the 2024 Games in Paris. This decision will not depend on the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Paralympic Games will be held from 28 August to 8 September 2024.
“Our position on Russia and Belarus has not changed. The IOC has made a recommendation to international sports organizations, but it does not apply to the Paralympic movement.
We love to keep the world of sports together, but that’s nothing more important. More importantly, every sports organization makes the right decision in accordance with its management structure and is in dialogue with its members,” said Parsons, conveying the words of Kyodo.
The IPC chairman added that the General Assembly, which voted to suspend membership of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) in 2022, “could change this decision”.
According to him, there is a possibility that Russian and Belarusian athletes will participate in the 2024 Olympics, but they will still be deprived of their right to compete at the Paralympic Games.
Recall that at the meeting of the IOC Executive Committee on March 28, it was proposed to allow the Russians to be in a neutral status, if the athletes were not actively engaged in supporting hostilities. Athletes representing law enforcement and armed forces will not be allowed to compete.
Previously, the Ministry of Sports of Ukraine prohibited athletes will compete with the Russians.