Athletes from Russia walk during the opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Verona, Italy. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) NEW DELHI: The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics officially opened in Italy on Friday, but the ceremony was marred by controversy after Russian athletes were allowed to march under their national flag for the first time since 2014. The International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision drew criticism over Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.Only a small Russian delegation attended and was booed by sections of the crowd as they entered the historic Verona Arena. Several countries – including Ukraine, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic – boycotted the ceremony in protest. Instead, volunteers carried their flags without the presence of athletes or officials. In contrast, the Ukrainian flag received a long applause from the audience.IPC president Andrew Parsons defended the decision, saying it followed a vote by the organisation’s general assembly last September to allow Russia and Belarus to return to competition under their national flags. During the ceremony, Parsons also reflected on global conflicts. “Four years ago I said I was horrified by what was happening in the world,” he said. “Unfortunately, the situation has not changed. In a world where some countries are better known by the names of their leaders, I prefer to know countries by the names of their athletes.”The ceremony, attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, began with a drumming by Stewart Copeland of The Police, followed by a simple rendition of the Italian national anthem and a parade of athletes.More than 600 athletes will compete in six sports across northern Italy until March 15. Events will take place mainly in Cortina, while Milan will host para ice hockey and Val di Fiemme will host cross-country and biathlon competitions.The president of the organizing committee, Giovanni Malago, said the games carry an important message in turbulent times. “The message of peace, inclusion and solidarity at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic movement is more meaningful and important than ever,” he added.
