Two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy due to safety concerns amid ongoing military conflicts involving the U.S. and Israel. The International Paralympic Committee announced his withdrawal shortly before the opening ceremony, resulting in Iran’s flag being removed from the Athletes Parade. IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed disappointment over Mianaei’s inability to compete after years of training, highlighting the risks posed by the regional conflict.
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