Iran flag removed from Paralympics opening ceremony after sole athlete withdraws over travel safety concerns

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Two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, citing an inability to travel amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli joint military campaign against Iran. 

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Mianaei’s withdrawal hours before the opening ceremony on Friday, adding that because of the withdrawal, Iran's flag would be removed from the Athletes Parade. 

Iran's Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei and Ukraine's Serafym Drahun compete in the men's middle distance free technique standing para cross-country skiing final at the Zhangjiakou National Biathlon Centre during the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games on March 12, 2022. (Mohd Rasfan/AFP)

"It is really disappointing for world sport and especially for Aboulfazl that he is unable to travel safely to compete at his third Paralympic Winter Games at Milano Cortina 2026," IPC president Andrew Parsons said in a statement. 

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"Since the conflict began on Saturday, the IPC and Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee have been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes with the NPC and national ski federation to find alternative routes for the safe passage of the Iran delegation to the Games. However, with the conflict ongoing across the Middle East, the risk to human life is too high." 

Parsons added, "To not compete at a Paralympic Winter Games because of factors outside of his control after years of training and dedication is heartbreaking for the athlete and our sympathies are with Aboulfazl at this difficult time."

Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Team Iran competes in the men's