Archive · 27 Sep 2025
IPC Lifts Suspension, Allowing Russian, Belarusian Athletes to Compete
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has decided to let athletes from Russia and Belarus compete in the Winter Paralympics next year.
This means these athletes can now represent their countries again, using their flags.
This decision was made at a meeting in South Korea.
However, the final decision on who competes is up to the individual sports, some of which still ban Russian and Belarusian athletes.
Some athletes from these countries were allowed to compete in the 2024 Summer Paralympics but under a neutral flag.
The Russian Paralympic Committee is happy with the decision.
To participate, athletes need a current license from their sport's international federation.
The IPC lifted the partial suspension of Russia and Belarus.
The decision allows athletes to compete under their national flags at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The decision was made at the IPC's general assembly in Seoul.
Final participation is subject to approval by individual sports federations.
The Russian Paralympic Committee called the move a "fair decision".
- Who
- International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
- What
- Lifted the partial suspension of Russia and Belarus.
- When
- September 27, 2025
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- To allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
- Organization
- International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
- Event
- Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
- Affected Countries
- Russia and Belarus
- Decision Date
- September 27, 2025
- Original Suspension
- Partial suspension imposed in 2023
