Russian delegation booed at opening ceremony of 2026 Paralympics

The Russian delegation was booed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, held on 6 March in Verona, Italy.

Source: AFP

Details: According to AFP#s sources, spectators greeted the appearance of the Russian para-athletes with their national flag with boos and jeers.

The International Paralympic Committee allowed Russian athletes to compete under their own flag for the first time since 2014, despite Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The Belarusian delegation also took part in the opening ceremony.

Background:

It should be noted that Ukraine boycotted the opening ceremony of the Paralympics due to the presence of representatives from Russia and Belarus. However, the Ukrainian flag still appeared in the ceremonial parade, carried by volunteers, who were met with applause from the audience.

According to the International Paralympic Committee, alongside Ukraine, six European countries also refused to participate in the ceremony: Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. In total, 16 countries worldwide joined the boycott.

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