An Iranian cross-country skier has been forced to withdraw from the Winter Paralympics, a decision described as "heartbreaking" by the nation's Paralympic Committee, due to the intensifying conflict in the Middle East.
Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, who was set to be Iran’s sole representative at the Milan Cortina Paralympics, did not attend the opening ceremony last Friday.
The International Paralympic Committee confirmed that he was unable to travel safely to Italy amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States of America.
Hamid Alisamimi, chief executive of Iran’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC), expressed profound regret on Tuesday regarding Khatibi's absence from the Games. "The recent events have been very painful for many people, and it is especially heartbreaking for athletes who have dedicated years of hard work and preparation to represent their country," Mr Alisamimi stated in an email to The Associated Press.
He further elaborated on the skier's personal disappointment: "Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, like many others, has faced deep disappointment at being unable to participate in the Paralympics after such long and determined preparation.
“At the same time, he believes that sport should always remain a bridge between nations and a symbol of peace."
Military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran commenced on 28 February, less than a week before the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympic Games officially opened on 6 March.
This escalating conflict has cast a shadow over Iran’s future involvement in global sporting events, including the men’s football World Cup scheduled for the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Mr Alisamimi concluded by expressing Iran’s hope "that the international sports community will take responsible action to condemn and suspend countries that violate human rights, so that the world of sport can stand on the right side of history and uphold the values of justice, dignity, and peace."
