Eight nations are boycotting the Paralympics opening ceremony in protest of Russian athletes competing under their national flag. The Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Netherlands, and Ukraine will skip the event. Additionally, travel disruptions following recent attacks in the Middle East could impact other delegations' arrivals.
The Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics are set to run from March 6 to March 15. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Verona’s ancient Roman arena. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) anticipates a record number of athletes, over 600, with final confirmations pending.
Among registered competitors, ten are from Russia and Belarus. Israel will send one alpine skier, and Iran will be represented by one cross-country skier. The Italian Paralympic Committee president expressed concern that the escalating conflict could overshadow the Games' message for athletes who have made significant sacrifices.