Ukrainian Community in NZ Supports Boycott of 2026 Winter Paralympics Over Russian and Belarusian Athlete Inclusion

Ukraine is boycotting the 2026 Winter Paralympics. This follows a decision allowing some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, a change from 2022's ban.
By Newsroom | Sports, International Relations |

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are facing a boycott from Ukrainian officials. This action stems from a decision by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to allow a limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags. A Ukrainian community group in New Zealand has publicly supported this boycott, emphasizing that sport and politics are intertwined. This situation raises questions about the IPC's stance compared to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the broader implications for international sporting events during times of conflict.

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Context: A Shift in Paralympic Policy

The IPC's decision represents a notable shift from its previous approach regarding athletes from Russia and Belarus following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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  • In 2022, after the invasion, the IPC had imposed a partial suspension on Russia and Belarus.

  • More recently, the IPC announced that 10 Para athletes from Russia and Belarus would be permitted to participate in the Milano Cortina Games.

  • Russia was allocated spots in Para alpine skiing (2), Para cross-country skiing (2), and Para snowboard (2).

  • Belarus was granted four slots in Para cross-country skiing.

  • These athletes will compete under their respective national flags, and their national anthems will be played if they win gold medals.

  • This contrasts with the IOC's current policy, which permits Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete only as independent neutral athletes.

Community Backlash and Boycott

The IPC's decision has been met with strong disapproval from Ukraine and its supporters.

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  • Ukrainian officials have declared their intention to boycott the Winter Paralympics in protest.

  • In New Zealand, a group of Ukrainian New Zealanders have voiced their support for this boycott. They believe "sport is not separate from politics" and view Russia's use of international sport as a tool for state representation and soft power.

Potential Qualification Issues for Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Despite the IPC's decision to allow participation, there is uncertainty regarding the actual number of Russian and Belarusian athletes who may compete.

Read More: 12 Cricket Teams Qualify for 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

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  • The IPC stated in October 2025 that no Russian or Belarusian athletes "are likely to qualify" for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics.

  • The IPC also clarified that the international federation for each sport on the Paralympic program is responsible for determining both the qualification pathway and athlete eligibility. The IPC has received confirmation from the four international federations involved in sports for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games: A Global Event

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled to take place from March 6-15, 2026.

  • New Zealand is set to send two athletes, Adam Hall and Corey Peters, both competing in alpine skiing. Hall is participating in his sixth Winter Paralympics, while Peters aims to add to his medal collection.

  • ParalympicsGB has been announcing its preparations, with news regarding their wheelchair curling squad and snowsport athletes. Channel 4 will broadcast the Games in the UK.

  • The Games will mark the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics and will return to Italy twenty years after the Torino 2006 Games.

  • Venues include the Verona Olympic Arena for the Opening Ceremony, Cortina d’Ampezzo Olimpia delle Tofane slope for Para alpine skiing, and Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for Para ice hockey, among others.

Expert Analysis and Context

The IPC's decision has sparked debate about the balance between inclusivity in sport and the geopolitical realities of conflict.

  • While the IPC operates independently of the IOC, its decisions are often scrutinized in the context of broader international sporting bodies.

  • The precedent set by the IOC regarding neutral athletes is a point of reference.

  • The IPC's earlier suspension of Russia and Belarus indicates a recognition of the impact of the invasion, making the recent shift in policy a subject of considerable attention.

Conclusion: Lingering Questions and Future Implications

The situation surrounding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games remains complex.

  • Ukraine's boycott highlights a strong stance against the inclusion of athletes from nations involved in conflict, underscoring the perceived link between sport and political events.

  • The IPC's shift in policy from a ban to conditional participation under national flags, despite previous suspensions, raises questions about the factors influencing this change.

  • The possibility that no Russian or Belarusian athletes may actually qualify to compete introduces another layer of uncertainty, suggesting that national federation decisions could ultimately supersede the IPC's eligibility ruling.

  • The support from the Ukrainian New Zealand community illustrates the global reach of concerns surrounding the Games and the ongoing conflict.

The decisions made by international sports federations regarding athlete eligibility and national representation will be critical in shaping the narrative and participation at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Ukraine boycotting the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
Ukraine is boycotting the Games because the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decided to let a small number of Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under their own flags. This decision has caused strong disagreement.
Q: What changed in the IPC's decision about Russian and Belarusian athletes?
In 2022, the IPC banned athletes from Russia and Belarus after the invasion of Ukraine. Now, the IPC will allow 10 athletes from these countries to compete in the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, which is different from their earlier ban.
Q: Who supports Ukraine's boycott of the 2026 Paralympics?
Ukrainian officials have announced a boycott. In New Zealand, a group called Ukrainian New Zealanders has also publicly supported this boycott, stating that sport and politics are connected.
Q: Will Russian and Belarusian athletes actually compete in the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
It is not certain if Russian or Belarusian athletes will compete. The IPC stated in October 2025 that it is unlikely they will qualify. The final decision on who can compete is up to the sports' own international groups.
Q: When and where are the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place in Italy from March 6 to March 15, 2026. New Zealand plans to send two athletes, Adam Hall and Corey Peters, to compete in alpine skiing.