NPA Paralympics: Understanding the Rules for Neutral Paralympic Athletes

NPA Paralympics: Who Are the Neutral Paralympic Athletes?

Around 4,440 Paralympic athletes from 184 nations have gathered in Paris for the 2024 edition of the games. But for a group of athletes, they are competing under the NPA banner, which stands for Neutral Paralympic Athletes. This group comprises Russian and Belarusian athletes who have been allowed to participate despite their nations being banned from the Olympics and Paralympics due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Strict Rules for NPA Athletes

• NPA athletes compete in neutral uniforms, lacking national flags, colours, or symbols.
• Their flags feature a white background with black lettering spelling out NPA.
• Any mention of Russian or Belarusian symbols is prohibited from all event venues.
• Medals won by NPA athletes do not count in the official medal table.
• The Paralympic anthem will play in place of national anthems if they win gold.
• NPA athletes were excluded from the Opening Ceremony march and lack a flagbearer at the closing ceremony on September 8.
• Prohibitions remain for team sports from these nations.
• Athletes are rigorously checked to ensure no military affiliations.

Baltic, Russian and Belarusian athletes also displayed their neutrality at the Olympics; however, three times as many are present at the Paralympics. This increase reflects ongoing debates about fairness and sport's place in geopolitics. For more details, please visit the source.