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Iran won’t compete at Milan Cortina Paralympics as its only athlete can’t travel safely to Italy
Iran’s sole Paralympian, Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, cannot safely travel to Italy due to Middle East conflict, leading to Iran’s withdrawal hours before the Games’ opening.
- The IPC said on Friday that Iran's delegation withdrew after NPC Iran reported its only athlete, Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, cannot safely travel to Italy.
- The intensifying Middle East conflict blocked safe passage after recent U.S. and Israeli military action, despite efforts by IPC and Milano Cortina organisers since Saturday, NPC Iran said.
- The Iranian skier was scheduled for the men's sprint classic and men's 10km interval start classic, but cannot travel safely to Italy, NPC Iran confirmed.
- As a result, NPC Iran's non-participation led to the country's flag being removed from the Athlete Parade at the Arena di Verona, with volunteers carrying flags for absent nations. The Games involve 611 athletes and continue through March 15.
- Speaking in Cortina, IPC president Andrew Parsons called the Middle East conflict a 'breach of the Olympic truce' and 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 Milano Cortina 2026'.
106 Articles
106 Articles
Iran’s flag removed from Paralympics opening ceremony after sole athlete withdraws over travel safety concerns
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, citing an inability to travel amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli joint military campaign against Iran. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Mianaei’s withdrawal hours before the opening ceremony Friday, adding that because of the withdrawal, Iran’s flag would be removed from the A…
Iran flag removed from Paralympics opening ceremony after sole athlete withdraws over travel safety concerns
Two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, citing an inability to travel amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli joint military campaign against Iran. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Mianaei’s withdrawal hours before the opening ceremony on Friday, adding that because of the withdrawal, Iran's flag would be removed from the Athletes Parade. "It is really disappointin…
The only Iranian para-athlete who was hired could not travel to Italy because of the war.
The Star Kuala Lumpur
Daily FinlandIran to withdraw from Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, March 6 (Xinhua) -- 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. Read full story
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