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The reflection of the Olympic Tower in Beijing
Photo: Andy Wong/AP
Despite Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has decided against excluding teams from Russia and Belarus from the Paralympic Games in Beijing.
The Games for People with Physical Disabilities will open in Beijing on Friday and will last until March 13.
However, there are conditions.
According to the decision of the IPC, the athletes of the two countries will start neutrally and under the Paralympic flag.
The anthems are also not allowed to be played.
Both associations are also not included in the medal table.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), numerous professional associations and the major football associations Fifa and Uefa had previously taken a tough stance against Russia and Belarus under increasing pressure.
Prior to the IPC decision, Friedhelm-Julius Beucher, President of the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS), had vehemently called for the two countries to be excluded from the Paralympics.
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