NPA Paralympics: Understanding the Role of Neutral Athletes in the Upcoming Games

Saturday, 31 August 2024, 07:30

NPA Paralympics are making headlines as athletes compete under the Neutral Paralympic Athletes banner. These athletes, from Russia and Belarus, face strict regulations amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. They are participating in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris without any national representation.
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NPA Paralympics: Understanding the Role of Neutral Athletes in the Upcoming Games

NPA Paralympics: A Unique Participation in 2024

Around 4,440 Paralympic athletes from 184 nations have converged in Paris for the 2024 edition of the games. However, a select group is competing under the NPA banner, which represents Neutral Paralympic Athletes. These athletes hail from Russia and Belarus, allowed to compete despite their nations being banned from the Olympics and Paralympics due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Rules for NPA Athletes at the Paralympics

  • The athletes compete in neutral uniforms devoid of any national colors or symbols.
  • Competing athletes will use a white flag featuring black lettering spelling out NPA during the event.
  • Russian and Belarusian flags are prohibited at all venues.

Medals won by NPA athletes will not contribute to the official medal table, and in the event of a gold medal win, the Paralympic anthem will resonate instead. Notably, NPA participants did not join the march during the Opening Ceremony and have no flagbearer at the closing event.

Background Checks and Regulations

  1. NPA athletes underwent background checks to confirm they have not endorsed the war and lack military affiliations.
  2. While the Olympics barred these athletes from participating in team sports, they are currently involved in athletics.
  3. Paralympics have three times more athletes from Russia and Belarus than the Olympics, with 88 and 8 participating, respectively.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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