Iran's Sole Paralympic Athlete Forced to Withdraw Amid Escalating Conflict
The Iranian National Paralympic Committee has described the withdrawal of the nation's only Winter Paralympics athlete as heartbreaking, citing safety concerns due to intensifying military conflict in the Middle East. Cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei was unable to travel safely to Italy for the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games, which officially opened on 6 March 2026.
Safety Concerns Prevent Participation
The International Paralympic Committee confirmed that Khatibi Mianaei did not attend the opening ceremony last Friday and was forced to withdraw. This decision came amid ongoing military actions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which commenced on 28 February, less than a week before the Games began.
Hamid Alisamimi, chief executive of Iran's National Paralympic Committee, expressed profound regret in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday. 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.
Athlete's Personal Disappointment and Hope for Peace
Mr Alisamimi further elaborated on the skier's personal disappointment, noting that Khatibi Mianaei faced deep disappointment after long and determined preparation. At the same time, he believes that sport should always remain a bridge between nations and a symbol of peace, the chief executive added.
The withdrawal highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on international sports. Iran's future involvement in global sporting events, including the men's football World Cup scheduled for the US, Canada, and Mexico, is now under shadow due to the escalating conflict.
Call for International Sports Community Action
In his statement, Mr Alisamimi concluded by expressing Iran's hope that the international sports community will take responsible action. We 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, he said.
This incident underscores how political and military conflicts can disrupt the dreams of athletes and challenge the unifying spirit of international sports competitions.
