Game Changer: Russian Para-Athletes Secured for Paris 2024 Games Despite Controversy, Here's How!

Russian para-athletes will be allowed to participate in the Paris 2024 Games under a neutral flag, as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decided not to completely suspend Russia's National Paralympic Committee (NPC) during its vote at the IPC's General Assembly in Bahrain on Friday.

The IPC announced that the motion to partially suspend NPC Russia was passed with a vote of 90 in favor and 56 opposed, while 6 members abstained. Initially, a motion to fully suspend NPC Russia was rejected with a vote of 74 against and 65 in favor, along with 13 abstentions.

As a result of the partial suspension, Russian para-athletes will only be allowed to participate in an individual and neutral capacity without forming teams in the Paralympic Games. This decision was clarified in the statement.

A complete suspension would have resulted in the exclusion of all Russian para-athletes from participating in the Paris Games. The statement further mentioned that this condition is dependent on athletes and support personnel adhering to the participation requirements established by the IPC Governing Board. Additionally, NPC Russia is prohibited from hosting any sports events or competitions involving other IPC members.

CNN attempted to contact the Ukrainian and Russian Paralympic Committees for their input on the decision but received no immediate response.

As for the Russian NPC, they have the option to challenge the decision made on Friday by appealing to the independent appeals tribunal of the IPC. If their appeal is denied, the suspension will remain in effect until the 2025 IPC General Assembly.

Russian and Belarusian athletes have been prohibited by the IPC from participating in the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing due to the potential boycotts issued by various teams. At the IPC meeting scheduled for later Friday, a decision will be made regarding the eligibility of Belarusian para-athletes to take part in the competition.

The IOC's 140th Session is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from October 15 to 17. During this session, votes on Russian and Belarusian athletes will also be conducted.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics are scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8.