Winter Paralympics 2026: The only Iranian athlete will not participate in the Milan-Cortina Games

The International Paralympic Committee announced that Iran will not participate in the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympic Games.

The IOC said the solo athlete who was preparing to represent the nation at the Games “cannot travel safely to Italy” due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Cross-country skier Abulfazl Khatibi Miani’s withdrawal was confirmed on Friday,, external A few hours before the opening ceremony of the Games in Verona.

IOC President Andrew Parsons said it was “really disappointing for world sport and especially for Abou El Fadl” that he would not be able to participate in the Games.

“Since the conflict began on Saturday, the International Paralympic Committee and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee have been working tirelessly behind the scenes with the NPC,” Parsons said. [national Paralympic committee] And the National Skating Federation to find alternative ways for the safe passage of the Iranian delegation to the Games.

“However, as conflict continues across the Middle East, the risks to human life are extremely high.”

The Middle East has been plunged into crisis, following joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran that targeted the country’s missile infrastructure, military sites and leadership. In response, Tehran launched strikes across the region, including in Israel.

Residents in Tehran said on Friday they had witnessed the “worst night” of Israeli strikes yet – with the US saying attacks are set to intensify.

The Israeli military said a new wave of strikes was also launched on Beirut, Lebanon, overnight, while Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, reported intercepting Iranian attacks.

The International Olympic Committee’s Parsons said dialogue with Iranian sports federations “was not easy” with “communication systems down” in most parts of the country.

He added: “Not competing in the Winter Paralympics due to factors beyond his control after years of training and dedication is heartbreaking for the athlete and our sympathies go out to Abou El Fadl at this difficult time.”

The 23-year-old, who has competed at the past two Winter Paralympics, was scheduled to compete in the men’s classic sprint on Tuesday, and will begin the men’s 10km interval the following day.