Which sports will allow Russian and Belarusian participation?

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Russian and Belarusian Athletes May Participate in Six Winter Paralympic Sports

Russian and Belarusian athletes are now eligible to compete in six specific winter Paralympic sports at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, following a decision by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to lift a partial suspension. This eligibility is contingent upon athletes possessing an active license for the 2025/26 season from their respective international federations governing these sports.
Eligibility for Six Winter Paralympic Sports

The International Paralympic Committee's decision, made during its general assembly in Seoul, opens the door for athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete. The six sports included in this potential participation are para Alpine skiing, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, para biathlon, para ice hockey, and wheelchair curling. Each athlete must secure an active license for the 2025/26 season from the international federation overseeing their specific discipline to be considered eligible.
Governing Role of International Sports Federations

While the IPC has lifted its partial suspension, the ultimate authority on national participation in these six winter sports rests with the individual international sports federations. These federations are responsible for governing each specific sport on the winter program. To date, these federations have collectively maintained a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, indicating a potential hurdle to their participation despite the IPC's broader decision.
Precedent of Neutrality Conditions

It is noteworthy that some Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete in the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. Their participation in those Games was under a neutral flag and subject to stringent neutrality conditions. This precedent aligns with the International Olympic Committee's authorization for Russian and Belarusian athletes to attend the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, also under a neutral flag and meeting defined neutrality requirements.
Background of Suspension and Exclusion

The IPC's partial suspension on Russia and Belarus was initially implemented in 2023, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Prior to this, the IPC had excluded both the Russian and Belarusian Paralympic Committees from participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The recent decision to lift the partial suspension represents a significant shift in the IPC's stance.

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Which sports will allow Russian and Belarusian participation?

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