Iranian Athlete Withdraws From Milan Cortina Paralympics Due to Travel Safety Concerns

An Iranian athlete who was expected to compete at the upcoming 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy has withdrawn from the competition due to travel safety concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to the International Paralympic Committee the athlete Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei will not be able to attend the Games after difficulties arose in securing a safe travel route to Italy. The 23 year old was scheduled to participate in two cross country skiing events during the competition.

In a statement released on Friday the president of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons expressed disappointment over the situation. He explained that despite several attempts to find alternative travel routes for the Iranian delegation the risks involved were considered too high.

Parsons said it was unfortunate that the athlete would miss the opportunity to compete after years of preparation and dedication. The Games in Italy would have marked the third Paralympic Winter Games appearance for Khatibi Mianaei making the withdrawal particularly difficult for the athlete.

Organisers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games had been working closely with officials since the conflict began to identify possible travel solutions. However the safety of the athlete and the delegation remained the top priority.

Due to his absence Iran will not have a representative in the athlete parade during the opening ceremony of the Games which is taking place in Cortina d Ampezzo Italy.

During a press briefing Parsons also described the ongoing conflict as a breach of the Olympic truce a tradition meant to promote peace during major international sporting events. He noted that conflicts have unfortunately affected multiple recent editions of the Paralympic Winter Games.

The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will feature athletes competing in six sports across three locations in northern Italy. The competition will run until March 15 and follows shortly after the conclusion of the Winter Olympic Games hosted in the same region.