A growing number of nations are set to skip the opening ceremony for the upcoming Paralympics in Milano Cortina, escalating a boycott in protest of the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags and national anthems. The IPC's September 2025 decision has ignited a political firestorm amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine initiated the boycott last week, with Finland and Latvia now confirming their non-attendance. Poland and the Netherlands have also signaled their intention to boycott. Canada and Great Britain will not send delegations as their athletes are scheduled to compete in Alpine skiing the following day. The IPC stated it is unaware of other nations planning to boycott.
The Milano Cortina Paralympics are scheduled to run from March 6 to March 15. Many National Paralympic Committees, particularly from Europe, have voiced disagreement with the IPC's ruling, advocating for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, as they did at the recent Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
The IPC anticipates a record participation, with over 600 athletes expected from more than 50 countries. Italy will send a delegation of approximately 20-25 athletes, primarily its para ice hockey team, to the opening ceremony. The Milano Cortina 2026 Games will be the first to be "spread out" across Milan, Val di Fiemme, and Cortina. To ensure consistent representation, a volunteer will carry each nation's flag during the athlete parade.