Iran to withdraw from Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO -- The National Paralympic Committee of Iran will not compete at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games due to travel safety concerns, the International Paralympic Committee announced on Friday.

Iran had been due to participate at Milan-Cortina with one athlete - Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, a two-time Paralympian in para cross-country skiing.

The 23-year-old, who took part in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, planned to compete in the men's sprint classic standing and the men's 10km interval start classic standing events this time.

IPC President Andrew Parsons said, "It is really disappointing for world sport and especially for Aboulfazl that he is unable to travel safely to compete at his third Paralympic Winter Games at Milan-Cortina 2026."

The opening ceremony will be held at the Verona Olympic Arena on Friday evening. According to the IPC, as a result of Iran's non-participation, the country's flag has been removed from Friday's opening ceremony.