Story perspectives

Ukraine Leads Paralympics Boycott Over Russian Athlete Participation

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Milano Cortina Paralympics begin on March 6 amid a boycott led by Ukraine over Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their flags.
Finland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland, and the Netherlands followed.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee opposes the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)'s September 2025 decision amid Russia's invasion, citing fair play.
Despite the boycott, the IPC expects more than 600 athletes from over 50 countries to participate.

History

Historical Context

The 1980 Moscow Olympics were significantly impacted by a boycott led by the United States, following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979. Over 60 nations, including Canada and Japan, withdrew, altering the competition landscape and leading to alternative events like the Liberty Bell Classic. This boycott reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions, as seen in Ukraine's current Paralympics boycott over similar concerns.

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Story summary

The Milano Cortina Paralympics begin on March 6 amid a boycott led by Ukraine over Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their flags.
Finland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland, and the Netherlands followed.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee opposes the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)'s September 2025 decision amid Russia's invasion, citing fair play.
Despite the boycott, the IPC expects more than 600 athletes from over 50 countries to participate.

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