Iranian skier Aboulfazl Khatibi misses Paralympics due to conflict
Iran’s only representative Aboulfazl Khatibi has been forced to withdraw from the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games because he cannot travel safely amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed the news on Friday, mere hours before the opening ceremony was scheduled to begin in Verona.
Travel risks force withdrawal
Khatibi had been set to compete as a cross-country skier and was the solitary athlete registered to represent his nation at these Winter Games.
However, the IPC stated that it was impossible to secure safe passage for him to travel to Italy.
This disruption follows the intensifying military situation in the region, occurring less than a week after reports of strikes involving the United States and Israel.
Sole representative absent
The enforced absence leaves Iran without any active participants for the duration of the competition.
The skier had been preparing to compete on the global stage, but geopolitical tensions have curtailed his participation just as the Games get underway.
Events are scheduled to take place across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo following the opening formalities.
