CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Iran’s sole representative at the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics, cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, has been compelled to withdraw from competition due to escalating military conflicts in the Middle East that prevented his safe travel to Italy. The Iranian National Paralympic Committee has characterized the situation as profoundly disappointing for the athlete who had dedicated years to preparation.
Hamid Alisamimi, Chief Executive of Iran’s NPC, expressed deep regret over Khatibi’s absence from the Games, emphasizing the emotional toll on athletes whose Olympic dreams are shattered by geopolitical circumstances beyond their control. In an official communication, Alisamimi stated that while the athlete experiences profound disappointment, he maintains that sports should serve as a unifying force between nations and a symbol of global peace.
The military operations initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28th, just days before the Paralympics’ March 6th opening ceremony, directly impacted Khatibi’s participation. This development has raised broader concerns about Iran’s continued involvement in international sporting events, including potential implications for their participation in the upcoming men’s soccer World Cup across North America.
Alisamimi further called upon the international sports community to take principled stands against human rights violations, urging sporting bodies to suspend countries that breach these fundamental values. The Iranian sports official emphasized that the world of athletics must align itself with justice, dignity, and peace in confronting global challenges.