Russia and Belarus will not go to the 2026 Paralympics: FIS decision.

Russia and Belarus will not participate in the 2026 Paralympic Games

According to inkorr.com: On October 21, the Council of the International Ski Federation (FIS) made a decision prohibiting the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in the Paralympic qualifying competitions. This means that representatives of these countries will not be able to take part in the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

If Russians and Belarusians were allowed to compete, they would be able to participate with their own symbols, flag, and anthem.

The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games will be held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from March 6 to 15.

Restoration of Russia's Membership in the International Paralympic Committee

On September 27, at the IPC General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, the organization's members voted to restore the membership of the Paralympic Committee of Russia.

In the first round, 111 delegates voted against the complete suspension of the PCR, 55 in favor, and 11 abstained. In the second round, 91 delegates voted to cancel the partial suspension of the PCR, 77 against, and 8 abstained.

Now Russians and Belarusians will have the right to participate in competitions under the IPC auspices with their own symbols, flag, and anthem.

The membership of the Paralympic Committee of Russia was partially suspended at the IPC General Assembly in September 2023.

After the start of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Russians and Belarusians will not be able to participate in the Paralympic competitions due to the decision of the FIS Council. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to compete in IPC tournaments that will take place in future competitions. Thus, the restoration of Russia's membership in the Paralympic Committee opened the door for them to participate in events under the IPC auspices, but not within the framework of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.