Ivan Golubkov, a 30-year-old skier from Russia's Komi Republic, is set to make his Paralympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. As one of six Russian athletes competing under the national flag, his participation follows the International Paralympic Committee's decision to reinstate Russia. The move has sparked international tension amid ongoing geopolitical issues.
Ivan Golubkov, a six-time world champion in cross-country skiing and biathlon from the town of Inta in the Komi Republic, represents the Moscow Academy of Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon. At 30 years old, he is among a select group of Russian athletes qualified for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games, marking Russia's first appearance under its own flag since 2014. This will be Golubkov's Paralympic debut.
Four years ago, following Russia's exclusion from the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games—banned days after the invasion of Ukraine—Golubkov and other team members met with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Photographs from the event placed Golubkov in the front row.
In September 2025, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) voted to restore membership for the Russian and Belarusian national committees, allowing a partial return to the Olympics and full reinstatement to the Paralympics. This decision has caused controversy. Canada and Poland, among others, plan to boycott the opening ceremony on March 6, 2026.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee stated: “We stand in solidarity with Ukrainian athletes and the Ukrainian people. The Canadian Paralympic Committee argued and voted against the reinstatement of the Russian and Belarusian National Paralympic Committees at the IPC General Assembly in September, and we continue to believe the conditions have not been met for their reinstatement.”
The Games occur as Russia's war in Ukraine enters its fifth year. Meanwhile, the Russian Paralympic Committee has increased ties with the armed forces, recruiting wounded soldiers into sports. Committee representatives conduct “motivational meetings, master classes and Paralympic lessons” in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
The committee noted on social media: “Since the beginning of the , the Russian Paralympic Committee has been actively involved in the rehabilitation of soldiers and officers who have been wounded or disabled on the battlefield.” It added that “veterans are actively joining the ranks of athletes... and [are] an integral part of the Russian Paralympic movement.”
