World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026: WPA Chief Upholds 'One Set Of Rules' As Russians Compete Under National Flag

More than a decade after disappearing from the Paralympic podium, the Russian flag and anthem returned at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the first time since 2014. As India hosts the 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix New Delhi, WPA chief Paul Fitzgerald said the move followed a democratic vote.

Russian athletes had been barred from competing under their flag after a state-sponsored doping scandal, with further sanctions imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Their return at the Grand Prix highlights a significant shift for para-sport.

Fitzgerald emphasized that the decision was made democratically. “The International Paralympic Committee held a democratic vote. All members got together and decided to allow Russia and Belarus to become full members of the International Paralympic Committee again, which means they can compete under their own flag,” he told Outlook India.

“We’re in the business of opportunity. The athletes who are coming here to compete are coming here to show not only to their own families, communities and countries what’s possible for people with disabilities when they’re given an opportunity to compete in sport,” he added.

Fitzgerald stressed that his role focuses on sport rather than politics. “I’m not a politician. I’m not responsible for what kind of conflicts are out there in the world. I’m in the business of ensuring that people have access to equipment, to competitive competitions and to equal sport.”

Asked whether competing under their own flag could matter to athletes, he said, “Sport connects people. It doesn’t divide them. The ability to compete together under one set of rules, with the same conditions, and then see who’s the best on that day.”

The New Delhi Grand Prix runs from March 11–13 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, featuring around 257 athletes from eight nations, including a 219-member India contingent. With 26 entries, Russia will be the second-largest team at the event behind the hosts.

On whether ongoing conflicts could impact participation, Fitzgerald highlighted the logistical challenges of international para-sport events.

“It’s complex to bring anyone internationally for any international event, let alone a para-sport event which has additional complications with regards to accessibility and transport for individuals or their equipment. It would be a shame to have that impact.

He added, “But what can we do? We make the best out of our situation that we have and we move forward giving the opportunity to those who were able to make it here.”

He also addressed the financial challenges many countries face in sending athletes abroad. “I don’t think that we can solve as an international federation global economic inequities. What we can do is provide closer-to-home opportunities. We encourage national investments in national events and try to be broadly placed around the world for international events so that there is an opportunity closer to home.”

On whether war-like situations affect para-athletes more because of their additional requirements, he said, “Yeah, I think sport is the same no matter what it is. There are athletes training and competing. Para-sport has additional requirements, accessibility, equipment, accommodation and transport. All of those things are extra.”

“Sometimes it means a support personnel or a guide if you're vision impaired. These are extra costs. So on top of all of the challenges that an athlete has, there are the extra challenges that a para-athlete has. This is why it's so important to build community.”

India will continue to host international para-athletics competitions through 2028, Fitzgerald confirmed: “We will be here this year, 2027 and 2028.”