Iran Withdraws from Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Amid Middle East Crisis
Synopsis
The IPC has confirmed Iran's withdrawal from the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, impacting athlete Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei's participation. Discover the implications of this decision.
Key Takeaways
Iran's NPC withdraws from the Games due to safety concerns amidst Middle East conflict.
Two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei is affected.
IPC working to secure safe travel routes for athletes.
Disruption in communication has complicated the situation.
611 Para athletes from 55 NPCs will still compete.
Milan, March 6 (NationPress) The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced on Friday that the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Iran will not take part in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Initially, NPC Iran planned to send one athlete, two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, who was set to compete in two Para cross-country skiing events: the men's sprint classic standing on March 10 and the men's 10km interval start classic standing race on March 11. However, the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East has made it unsafe for the PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Paralympian to travel to Italy.
IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed his disappointment, stating: “It is truly unfortunate for international sports and especially for Aboulfazl that he cannot safely travel to participate in his third Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026.”
“Since the conflict erupted on Saturday, the IPC and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee have been diligently working with the NPC and national ski federation to secure safe travel routes for the Iranian delegation to the Games. Nevertheless, due to the ongoing conflict throughout the Middle East, the danger to human life remains excessively high,” the IPC stated in a release on Friday.
“Communication has been challenging due to disrupted systems across much of Iran. NPC Iran informed us that safe passage to Milano Cortina 2026 was unfeasible, leading to their decision to withdraw from the Games. It is heartbreaking for the athlete, who has devoted years to training, to miss out on a Paralympic Winter Games due to circumstances beyond his control. Our thoughts are with Aboulfazl during this trying time,” it added.
Consequently, NPC Iran's absence means that the Iranian flag will not be displayed during the Athlete Parade at tonight's Opening Ceremony at the Arena di Verona. This also results in 611 Para athletes from 55 NPCs competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, with 31 NPCs participating in Para cross-country skiing medal events.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the unfortunate reality faced by athletes like Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, who are unable to showcase their skills on the world stage due to circumstances beyond their control. This situation highlights the broader implications of geopolitical conflicts on sports and athletes' dreams.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't Iran participate in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics?
Iran has withdrawn from the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has made safe travel impossible for its athletes.
Who is Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei?
Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei is a two-time Paralympian from Iran, who was set to compete in Para cross-country skiing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
What events was Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei expected to compete in?
He was scheduled to compete in the men's sprint classic standing on March 10 and the men's 10km interval start classic standing race on March 11.
What is the current situation regarding communication in Iran?
Communication systems in Iran are down, complicating dialogue between the IPC and NPC Iran, which has hindered arrangements for safe travel.
How many athletes will compete in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics?
Despite Iran's withdrawal, 611 Para athletes from 55 NPCs will participate in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
