Watershed moment as Russia's sporting exile ends
Sports Editor Dan Roan analyses Russia's controversial return to global sporting action at the Winter Paralympics and what it might mean for other sports.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"the decision is ..."
— Volodymyr Zelensky , Politician
"The number of war veterans in regional para-sport teams has risen from 300 in 2024 to 700 by the start of this year."
— Pavel Rozhkov , Executive
"His goal is to reach the national sitting volleyball squad and eventually compete in the Paralympic Games."
— Ruslan Ustyuzhin , Athlete
Key People
President of the Russian Paralympic Committee.
A former airborne warrant officer who plays sitting volleyball for Moscow.
A veteran archer from the republic of Buryatia who competes in international championships.
President of Ukraine who attended a summit in Yerevan.
Tags
All Coverage
Sports Editor Dan Roan analyses Russia's controversial return to global sporting action at the Winter Paralympics and what it might mean for other sports.
Sports Editor Dan Roan analyses Russia's controversial return to global sporting action at the Winter Paralympics and what it might mean for other sports.
The 2026 Winter Paralympics are set to begin in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, with expectations of Chinese dominance and boycotts over the return of the Russian flag.
Russia is spending tens of millions of dollars to recruit Ukraine war veterans into Paralympic sport, fast-tracking wounded soldiers from hospital wards into regional and national teams.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
What happens when an athlete has a life-changing accident?
Saffron Cresswell was a promising eventer before a fall left her paralysed. Just eight months after first sitting in a canoe, she is heading to the Worlds.
August 26, 2026 at 06:35 AMScott's World title aim after testing personal period
Olympic champion Hannah Scott is preparing for the World Championships in Amsterdam which begin on Tuesday after her "most successful winter of training so far".
August 24, 2026 at 07:13 AMWales pushing the pain barrier in bid to improve
BBC Sport spends a day in Wales' pre-season camp, watching players put through their paces ahead of the new WXV Global Series.
August 23, 2026 at 04:49 AMWeekly sports quiz: What was wrong with the Sydney Marathon medals?
How much attention have you paid to what has happened in the world of sport over the past seven days?
August 27, 2026 at 06:30 AMConflicting ideas of fairness in women’s sports fuel transgender participation debate - Reuters
Conflicting ideas of fairness in women’s sports fuel transgender participation debate Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 12:24 PMUsing international football to reignite Premier League dreams
Before his potential Premier League debut for Fulham, BBC Sport looks at the role international football has played in the development of players like Shea Charles.
August 23, 2026 at 06:48 PM