In a recent development, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been prohibited from participating in the opening ceremony of this year's Paralympics in Paris, even if they are granted approval to compete as neutrals. The International Paralympic Committee has imposed stricter limitations on athletes from these two countries compared to the guidelines set by the International Olympic Committee for the upcoming Paris Games.
The IOC's decision in December opted against a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes following the invasion of Ukraine. However, the IPC has decided that athletes from these nations, competing as neutrals, will not be allowed to march in the Paralympics opening ceremony on August 28 or have a flag bearer at the closing ceremony on September 8.
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