US EditionRussian Flag Returns as Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics Open Amid Iran War and Boycott
The Russian flag returned to the Paralympic stage for the first time since 2014 amid boycotts by six countries, with record female participation, IPC said.
- On Friday, the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics opened at the Arena di Verona with the Russian flag returning during the parade, prompting some countries to boycott, the IPC said.
- After sanctions tied to doping and the invasion, Russian athletes' flag returned during the parade, with Belarus's flag and two athletes also participating, signaling possible reintegration.
- Only about 45 athletes of the more than 600 competing were present, volunteers carried many flags as official flagbearers missed the ceremony, and the Arena di Verona hosted performances by Stewart Copeland and DJ Miky Bionic.
- Some boos were heard as Russian athletes entered during the parade, and Iran's Para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi withdrew hours before the opening for safety reasons.
- The IPC said these are the biggest Winter Paralympics ever, noting record female participation and celebrating the 50th anniversary with torch relays and cauldron lightings by Bebe Vio, Francesca Porcellato, and Gianmaria Dal Maistro.
12 Articles
12 Articles
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…
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).
Chicago Tribune
The Morning CallBy ANTONIO CALANNI and TALES AZZONI VERONA, Italy (AP) — The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics officially opened Friday amid tensions over the war in the Middle East and with some countries boycotting the opening ceremony because of the Russian flag's return to the world sporting stage. The Russian flag reappeared during the parade of nations, marking the first time it has flown at a Paralympic Games since 2014 in Sochi and signaling a possible f…
The Russian athletes marched with their flag at the opening ceremony.
On Friday, booes accompanied the return of Russian athletes to Milan Cortina's Paralympic Winter Games, which paraded with their flag.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
