US EditionRussian Flag Returns as Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics Open Amid Iran War and Boycott
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics marked the return of 10 Russian and Belarusian athletes amid boycotts by 7 countries and limited athlete attendance, IPC said.
- On Friday, the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics opened at the Arena di Verona amid tensions tied to the Middle East conflict and political boycotts after the Russian flag returned to the parade.
- Only about 45 athletes of the more than 600 competitors were present, and volunteers carried many flags because official flagbearers could not attend; the Arena di Verona hosted performances by Stewart Copeland and DJ Miky Bionic.
- Some in the crowd booed as Russian athletes entered during the parade, and Iran's athlete, Aboulfazl Khatibi, withdrew hours before the opening for safety reasons.
- The IPC said these are the biggest Winter Paralympics ever, noting record female participation, with the 50th anniversary marked by torch actions and cauldron lightings across Italy, and Russia's national anthem could be played for gold medallists for the first time since 2022.
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Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics Open Amid Tensions and Boycotts | Sports-Games
Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics Open Amid Tensions and Boycotts The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics have begun, overshadowed by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and boycotts from several countries protesting Russia's re-entry into international sports. The return of the Russian flag, absent since 2014, marked a contentious moment during the ceremony at Arena di Verona.Russia's delegation faced mixed reactions, including boos, as they e…
The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
MILAN, ITALY — The International Paralympic Committee is celebrating the biggest ever Paralympic Winter Games in history and a record female participation at Milan Cortina. The Games officially kicked off Friday with an opening ceremony that was boycotted by some nations because of the return of the Russian flag and national anthem to the global stage. The IPC said Thursday that a record number of 56 nations are bringing 616 athletes to compete …
Ottumwa Courier
Russian flag returns as Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics open amid Iran war and boycott
The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics has officially opened amid the tensions of intensifying war in the Middle East and with some countries boycotting the opening ceremony because of the return of the Russian flag to the global sports stage. The…
Paralympics kick off in Italy with Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Paralympics was an impressive show of lights and acrobatics. It kicks off nine days of competition that more than 600 athletes with a range of disabilities have trained tirelessly for. NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda reports.
Russia officially marked its return to Olympism at the Milan Cortina Games on Friday in Verona. Its athletes were booed by some of the public by marching with their flag at the opening ceremony. - Paralympic Games: Russia booed for its return to competition (Sports).
Paralympics: Opening ceremony, amid absences, marks 50 yrs for winter games
The Milan Cortina Paralympic Winter Games began Friday with an opening ceremony marking 50 years of the competition, while political tensions over Russian and Belarusian participation and logistical challenges limited athlete attendance.
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