The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that Iran’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC) will not participate in the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. NPC Iran was set to compete with Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, a two-time Paralympian, in two Para cross-country skiing events. However, due to safety risks stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Iranian athletes from PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 cannot safely travel to Italy.
IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed disappointment over the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by Aboulfazl in missing his third Paralympic Winter Games. Efforts were made by the IPC and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee to facilitate the Iranian delegation’s safe passage to the Games, but the persisting conflict in the region posed significant risks to their safety.
Despite continuous efforts to establish communication with NPC Iran and the national ski federation, the inability to ensure safe travel to Milano Cortina 2026 led to Iran’s decision not to participate in the Games. This unfortunate circumstance, driven by external factors beyond the athlete’s control, has left Aboulfazl and the Paralympic community disheartened.
The absence of NPC Iran from the Paralympic Winter Games has resulted in the removal of the country’s flag from the Athlete Parade during the Opening Ceremony at the Arena di Verona. Consequently, 611 Para athletes from 55 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) will compete at Milano Cortina 2026, with 31 NPCs vying for medals in Para cross-country skiing events.
