Iran will not compete in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games after its only athlete could not travel to Italy safely amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the International Paralympic Committee said Friday.
Two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei had been set to represent Iran at two Para cross-country skiing events beginning next week. The announcement came hours ahead of the opening ceremony in Verona.
“Since the conflict began on Saturday, the IPC and Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee have been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes with the NPC and national ski federation to find alternative routes for the safe passage of the Iran delegation to the Games,” IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a statement. “However, with the conflict ongoing across the Middle East, the risk to human life is too high.”
Communication disruptions in Iran following U.S.-Israeli missile strikes last weekend also complicated efforts to coordinate travel, the IPC said in its statement.
“To not compete at a Paralympic Winter Games because of factors outside of his control after years of training and dedication is heartbreaking for the athlete and our sympathies are with Aboulfazl at this difficult time,” Parsons said.
As a result of Iran’s withdrawal, the country’s flag was also removed from the athlete parade during Friday’s opening ceremony.
A total of 611 Para athletes will now compete at the Games. ]]>