Athletes from Russia and Belarus barred from competing at the 2022 Winter Paralympics

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Athletes from Russia and Belarus barred from competing at the 2022 Winter Paralympics

Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing after the International Paralympic Committee reversed its original decision.

The IPC was heavily criticised when, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it initially said it would allow the athletes to compete as neutrals.

A statement said the “situation in the athlete villages” was “untenable”.

On Wednesday, a number of governing bodies and political figures criticised the IPC for not immediately banning Russian and Belarusian athletes.

There were set to be 71 competitors from Russia and 12 from Belarus – plus guides for both nations – competing in Beijing.

IPC President Andrew Parsons said the decision to prevent the athletes competing would “preserve the integrity” of the Games and “the safety of all participants”.

The Games’ opening ceremony takes place on Friday.

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