Paralympics-IPC suspends Russian, Belarusian committees with immediate effect

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The International Paralympic Committee has suspended the National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of Russia and Belarus with immediate effect on November 17, 2022, dashing the hopes of para-athletes competing in the 2024 Paralympics.

Important facts

• Earlier athletes from both countries were barred from competing in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics in March.

• Russia's suspension was passed by 64 votes against 39 at the IPC's Extraordinary General Assembly in Berlin.

• The suspension of the NPC of Belarus passed by 54 votes against 45.

• Both NPCs have been suspended for "inability to comply with their membership obligations under the IPC constitution".

• Due to the suspension, NPC Russia and NPC Belarus lose all rights and privileges of IPC membership, as per the IPC constitution.

• The Russian team was also banned from the Rio Paralympics in 2016 over doping.

• NPC Russia and NPC Belarus have the right to appeal against this decision.

About International Paralympic Committee

• It was established on 22 September 1989 as an international non-profit organisation.

• It is an athlete-centred organisation composed of an elected Governing Board, a Management Team and various Standing Committees and Councils.

• Its objective is to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to inspire and excite the world.

• Headquartered - Bonn, Germany

• President - Andrew Parsons