CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have directly impacted the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games, resulting in Iran’s complete withdrawal from the international sporting event. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed Friday that Iran’s sole representative, cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, would be unable to participate due to safety concerns regarding travel to Italy.
The announcement came mere hours before the opening ceremony in Verona, following recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. IPC President Andrew Parsons revealed that extensive efforts had been undertaken to secure alternative travel arrangements for the Iranian delegation amid deteriorating regional security conditions.
“Despite relentless behind-the-scenes coordination with the Iranian National Paralympic Committee, the persistent conflict across the Middle East presents unacceptable risks to human life,” Parsons stated. Communication challenges further complicated planning, as infrastructure outages hampered dialogue with Iranian officials.
The IPC ultimately received formal notification from Iran’s Paralympic Committee that safe passage to the Games could not be guaranteed. Parsons expressed profound disappointment for Khatibi, a veteran of both the Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Paralympics: “To miss competition after years of dedicated training due to circumstances beyond his control is truly heartbreaking.”
Khatibi had been scheduled to compete in two Para cross-country events and was designated as Iran’s flagbearer, though logistical constraints would have prevented his actual participation in the flag procession. The IPC confirmed Iran’s flag has been removed from the nations’ parade during Friday’s opening ceremony.