Iran's only athlete, two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, will not compete in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games due to safety concerns from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The International Paralympic Committee announced the withdrawal on Friday, hours before the opening ceremony in Verona. As a result, 611 para-athletes from 55 countries will participate.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games opened on Friday amid a notable absence: Iran's delegation. Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, a double Paralympian set to compete in two para cross-country skiing events in the standing category, could not travel safely to Italy. The decision followed the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which began the previous Saturday and included U.S.-Israeli missile strikes that disrupted communications in Iran.
IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed disappointment in a statement. "It is truly disappointing for world sport and especially for Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei that he will not be able to travel safely to his third Paralympic Games," Parsons said. He noted that the IPC and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee had worked behind the scenes with Iran's National Paralympic Committee and ski federation to explore alternative travel routes. However, "with the ongoing conflict throughout the Middle East, the risk to human life is too high."
Challenges included downed communication systems, making coordination difficult. Iran's National Paralympic Committee informed the IPC that safe passage was impossible. Parsons added, "Not being able to take part in the Paralympic Games for reasons beyond his control, after years of training and dedication, is heartbreaking for the athlete, and our thoughts are with Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei at this difficult time."
Consequently, Iran's flag was removed from the athlete parade during the opening ceremony. The Games will feature competitions starting next week, with Khatibi Mianaei's events affected by the withdrawal.
