Quick Read
- Iran’s sole athlete, Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, was unable to attend the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics due to travel disruptions from the Middle East conflict.
- The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) re-admitted Russian and Belarusian athletes after a democratic vote and a CAS appeal, prompting boycotts by several nations.
- China’s growing dominance in para-sport is attributed to extensive government funding, new disability laws, and comprehensive coaching programs.
- The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics, featuring a record 612 athletes from 56 delegations.
VERONA (Azat TV) – The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games officially commenced on Friday, March 7, but the unfolding events are drawing significant attention beyond the competition itself, highlighting critical underlying systems. Focus has shifted to geopolitical tensions impacting athlete access, governance debates over federation participation, and the diverse national preparation strategies that ultimately shape outcomes for para-athletes globally.
The Games, marking the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics, are set to run until March 15, featuring a record 612 athletes from 56 delegations competing across 79 medal events in six sports. However, the celebratory atmosphere has been tempered by notable absences and ongoing controversies, bringing issues of fairness, funding, and access to the forefront.
Geopolitical Shadows on Milano Cortina 2026
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics opened under the shadow of geopolitical conflicts, directly impacting athlete participation. Iran’s sole athlete, two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, was unable to attend the Games due to severe travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Khatibi Mianaei, who was slated to compete in two Para cross-country skiing events, had his participation cancelled after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed that safe passage to Italy was not possible.
IPC President Andrew Parsons stated that the organization and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee worked tirelessly to find alternative routes for the Iranian delegation. However, the escalating risks in the region ultimately prevented his travel. This incident underscores how external conflicts can directly impede athlete opportunities and access to global sporting platforms, even for those who have qualified.
IPC’s Governance and Participation Debates
A significant point of contention at these Games is the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national flags, a decision that has sparked boycotts of the opening ceremony by several nations. Ukraine led the protest, joined by Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany, who cited solidarity with Kyiv following Russia’s 2022 invasion.
IPC President Andrew Parsons defended the decision, explaining that the re-admission of Russia and Belarus was the result of a democratic process. Both countries were initially banned from Paralympic competitions after the 2022 invasion but were readmitted to the IPC in September 2025 following a vote by the organization’s general assembly. Furthermore, the 10 Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in skiing and snowboarding events were awarded their spots after winning a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal against the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in December 2025. Parsons emphasized that the IPC, as a democratic global organization, must uphold decisions made by its members, stating, ‘We cannot pick and choose when to be democratic based on the outcome of the decisions from the general assembly.’ This situation highlights the complex interplay between sports governance, geopolitical realities, and the principle of athlete inclusion.
National Strategies: China’s Para-Sport Dominance
Amidst these challenges, the Milano Cortina Games also showcase the impact of robust national preparation strategies, particularly exemplified by China’s rising dominance in para-sport. China, which has topped the medal count in the Summer Paralympics since 2004, secured its first Winter Games victory in Beijing 2022 with a record-setting performance. The nation is fielding its largest-ever overseas delegation with 70 athletes in Italy, aiming to solidify its status as a leading Paralympic powerhouse.
Experts attribute China’s success to a comprehensive national investment strategy. NaRi Shin, an assistant professor of sport management at the University of Michigan, noted that China has developed hundreds of disability sport instructors and coaches with government funding, promoting both mass participation and elite sports development. Furthermore, new laws for people with disabilities encourage their access to sports, and the country maintains a robust series of national and regional competitions. These sustained efforts in funding, infrastructure, and policy demonstrate how national commitments to access and development can profoundly shape a country’s Paralympic fortunes.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics serve as a crucial barometer for the wider para-sport movement, illustrating how geopolitical events, intricate governance decisions, and strategic national investments collectively define athlete opportunities, reinforce the integrity of competition, and ultimately dictate the trajectory of long-term para-sport participation and growth.