Rome, 29 September (LaPresse) – Following the announcement by the International Paralympic Committee that it would revoke the partial suspension imposed on Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine, the IOC stated in a note that it had “taken note” of this decision. However, the Olympic body reiterates its “approach for the Milan-Cortina Games”, decided on 19 September by its executive committee, renewing it in identical form for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Provided that the international federations open their qualification paths, Russians and Belarusians will be able to compete in individual competitions, under a neutral flag, provided that they are not under contract with the army or security services and do not actively support the war in Ukraine. In its statement, the IOC points out that the IPC, “together with the international federations responsible for Paralympic sports” – which continue to sanction the two countries for the time being – “is the competent authority for the Paralympic Games”. In principle, the IPC's “opening” would allow athletes from both countries, who were excluded from the Beijing Winter Paralympic Games – right at the start of the war – and then admitted individually and under a neutral flag to the 2024 Paris Games, to regain all their rights, i.e. anthems, official colours and presence in the medal table, provided that the international federations open up qualification routes for them.