IPC LIFTS SUSPENSION OF RUSSIAN PARA ATHLETE’S RETURN TO PARALYMPICS IN 2024

The Russian Para team, which was suspended from international competition for its invasion of Ukraine, will compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced today (Sept. 29) that “a vote at the IPC General Assembly in Bahrain on maintaining Russia’s suspension resulted in 74 votes against, 65 in favor and 13 abstentions.” “Russia will be able to compete at next year’s Paralympic Games in Paris as normal or as neutral athletes,” Reuters explained. The IPC suspended Russia’s membership at its extraordinary general assembly in Berlin, Germany, last November, citing its invasion of Ukraine .Russia subsequently appealed the suspension to the IPC’s Independent Court of Appeal. The IPC Independent Appeals Tribunal ruled in part in Russia’s favor, saying there were technical issues with the IPC’s disciplinary process, and the IPC said it would discuss reinstating Russia’s membership at the Congress .More than half of IPC members voted in favor of Russia’s return to the international stage, which will come three years after the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in 2021.Russia sent 71 athletes to last year’s Beijing Winter Paralympics, but packed up after being banned by the IPC following harsh criticism from national teams .Now, Russia’s Paralympic team will be able to compete in the biggest sporting event in the world, giving the green light to the country’s return to the Olympics .The IPC’s decision will affect Russia’s return to the Olympics. The Paralympic Games and the Olympic Games are closely linked, with the latter utilizing the same venues .Russia’s participation in the Paris Games will be decided soon. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) plans to discuss Russia’s reinstatement at its Session in Mumbai, India, next month from July 15-17. The IPC will also decide on the reinstatement of Belarus, which was also suspended for 안전놀이터 aiding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.