IPC allows Russian, Belarussian athletes to compete at Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, Report informs via DW.

The announcement came amid calls to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games in response to Moscow's war on Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had recommended that sports federations suspend teams and athletes from the two countries but, added that they could compete as neutrals if time or legal constraints prevented their removal.

"They will compete under the Paralympic flag and not be included in the medal table," the IPC said in a statement

"In deciding what action to take, the Board was guided by the IPC's core principles, which include a commitment to political neutrality and impartiality, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport."

The Winter Paralympic Games run from March 4-13.

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