Winter Paralympics 2022: Russia and Belarus athletes unable to compete at Games

Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing after the International Paralympic Committee reversed its original decision.

A view of Paralympic symbols in the Olympic Park on March 1, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo: CNN)

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was heavily criticised for allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A statement said the "situation in the athlete villages was 'untenable'." This is amid the backdrop of the Games’ opening ceremony set to take place on Friday.

IPC president Andrew Parsons said an "overwhelming number of members" had spoken to the IPC and said they would not compete in the Winter Paralympics should athletes from Russia and Belarus be allowed to take part.

Parsons described the Russian and Belarusian athletes affected as "victims of your governments' actions".

There were set to be 71 competitors from Russia and 12 from Belarus - plus guides for both nations - competing in Beijing.

On Wednesday, a number of sporting bodies and political figures criticised the IPC for not immediately banning Russian and Belarusian athletes.

In light of this, Parsons said it was unlikely a viable Games could take place should Russian and Belarusian athletes be allowed to compete.

Ukraine has reported that more than 2,000 civilians have died since Russia began its invasion on 24 February.

Their Paralympic team, consisting of 20 athletes and nine guides, are in Beijing and able to compete. (BBC Sport)