Iran will not send its only athlete, Aboulfazl Khatibi, to the Milan Cortina Paralympics, citing safety concerns due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Friday that Khatibi, a para cross-country skier who was slated to compete in two events, cannot travel to Italy without unacceptable risk. Consequently, Iran's flag was conspicuously absent from the nations' parade during the opening ceremony.
The IPC described extensive efforts to facilitate Khatibi's safe passage, engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Iranian National Paralympic Committee. IPC President Andrew Parsons stated that despite these endeavors, the ongoing regional hostilities rendered the journey too perilous. Parsons also alluded to difficulties in communication with the Iranian committee, citing widespread disruptions to national communication systems. The decision was formalized mere hours before the Games' commencement.
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This withdrawal follows closely on the heels of a military engagement involving the United States and Israel against Iran, an event that transpired less than a week prior to the IPC's announcement. Khatibi's absence marks a significant, albeit unavoidable, moment for Iran's presence on the Paralympic stage, reducing its participation to zero competitors.